Dental Crowns Explained: Types, Process and What to Expect

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. Crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged, too weak or too heavily filled for a filling alone to hold up, and they are also placed on dental implants and on teeth that have had root canal treatment. With dental crowns explained in plain terms, the choice comes down to which material suits the tooth and how the process fits your schedule.

This guide covers why a crown might be recommended, the main types of crowns and how they compare, what happens at each appointment, and what to expect in the days and years afterwards. It also explains how crowns work with implants, bridges and root canal treated teeth.

Key Takeaways

• A crown covers the whole tooth above the gum line, while a filling replaces only a small part of it and a veneer covers only the front.

• Crowns are recommended for cracked, broken, badly worn or heavily filled teeth, after many root canals, and on top of dental implants.

• All-ceramic and zirconia crowns are the most common choices for a natural look, while gold remains a durable option for back teeth.

• The traditional process takes two visits, with a temporary crown protecting the tooth while the lab makes the final one.

• Some sensitivity after a new crown is normal for a few days, but pain on biting or a high-feeling bite should be checked.

• A crowned tooth can still decay at the edge where crown meets tooth, so brushing, flossing and checkups still matter.

What a Dental Crown Does

A Cap That Covers the Whole Tooth

The American Dental Association describes a crown as a cover that restores a tooth to its normal shape and size, makes it stronger and improves its appearance. Because it wraps around the whole tooth, a crown holds a weakened tooth together in a way a filling cannot.

When a Crown Is Recommended

A dentist may suggest a crown to:

• Protect a weak tooth from breaking, or hold together a tooth that has cracked

• Restore a tooth that is already broken or badly worn down

• Cover and protect a tooth with a large filling and little natural structure left

• Hold a dental bridge in place

• Cover a badly discolored or misshapen tooth

• Cover a dental implant

• Make a cosmetic change to the shape or color of a tooth

Crown, Filling or Veneer

A filling is the most conservative repair when a cavity or chip is small. A veneer changes the look of the front surface of a healthy tooth. A crown is chosen when the tooth needs strength as well as appearance. The post on crowns vs fillings goes deeper into that decision.

Types of Dental Crowns

All-Ceramic and Porcelain Crowns

All-ceramic crowns, including lithium disilicate, offer the most lifelike translucency and are a popular choice for front teeth. They are strong enough for many back teeth too, although very heavy biters may need a tougher material.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is a very strong ceramic that suits back teeth and patients who grind. Older zirconia could look opaque, but newer layered and translucent versions look far more natural. Zirconia also allows a thinner crown in some cases, which can mean less tooth reduction.

Porcelain Fused to Metal

These crowns have a metal inner layer covered by porcelain. They have a long track record and are strong, but the metal can show as a dark line at the gum over time, and the porcelain layer can chip. They remain a reasonable option for some back teeth and bridges.

Gold and Metal Alloy Crowns

Gold crowns are rarely chosen for visible teeth, but they are kind to opposing teeth, very durable and need minimal tooth reduction. For a back molar that nobody sees, some patients still prefer gold.

The Crown Process Step by Step

Exam and Preparation

The tooth is examined, with X-rays taken to make sure the root and nerve are healthy. If there is decay or an old filling, it is removed. With the area numb, the dentist shapes the tooth so the crown can fit over it with the right thickness. If too little tooth remains, a core buildup is placed first.

Impressions or a Digital Scan

An impression or a digital scan records the prepared tooth and its neighbors. The shade is matched to the surrounding teeth, and the information goes to a dental lab where the crown is made.

The Temporary Crown

A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final crown is being made. It is meant to be functional rather than perfect, and it is held in with a softer cement so it can be removed easily.

Fitting the Final Crown

At the second visit the temporary comes off, and the final crown is tried in to check the fit, the contacts with neighboring teeth, the bite and the color. Once everything is right, it is permanently cemented or bonded, the excess cement is cleaned away and the bite is checked again before you leave. Some offices make crowns in house in a single visit using a milling machine, which is worth asking about if fewer appointments matter to you.

What to Expect After Your Crown

The First Few Days

Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is common for a few days after the crown is placed, and the gum around it may feel tender. Your bite should feel normal. If the crown feels high, or if biting causes sharp pain, call the office so the bite can be adjusted. Unless you were told otherwise, brush and floss around the new crown normally from the first day.

Living With a Temporary

Avoid sticky and very hard foods on the temporary, chew on the other side when you can, and slide floss out sideways rather than pulling it up. If a temporary comes off, call your dentist and keep it, because the tooth underneath needs protection.

Long-Term Care

A crown cannot decay, but the tooth under it can, especially at the edge where the crown meets the tooth. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth every day and keep up with regular cleanings and exams. If you grind your teeth, a night guard protects both the crown and the opposing teeth.

Crowns on Implants, Bridges and Root Canal Teeth

After a Root Canal

Back teeth that have had root canal treatment are often more brittle and usually need a crown to protect them from fracturing. Your dentist will advise whether a crown is needed based on how much tooth structure remains.

On Top of a Dental Implant

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth, and a crown is the visible tooth that attaches to it. Implant crowns are made the same way as natural tooth crowns, with the shade and shape matched to your other teeth. The single-tooth replacement page explains how this compares with a bridge.

As Part of a Bridge

A traditional bridge uses crowns on the teeth on either side of a gap to support a false tooth in between. This option can make sense when the neighboring teeth already need crowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a dental crown?

A traditional crown takes two visits, usually a couple of weeks apart while the lab makes the crown. Some offices offer single-visit crowns made in house.

Does getting a crown hurt?

The tooth is numbed before it is prepared, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity and gum tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal.

Which type of crown looks the most natural?

All-ceramic and modern translucent zirconia crowns look the most natural. The right choice also depends on the tooth's position and how heavily you bite.

How long do dental crowns last?

Crowns can last many years with good care. Grinding, chewing ice or hard objects, and decay at the edge of the crown are the most common reasons they need replacing.

What does a crown cost at Beverly Hills Dental Center?

Fees depend on the tooth, the material and any work needed first. Beverly Hills Dental Center currently lists veneers and crowns from $199 a month on its offers page, and an exact figure comes from an exam.

Dental Crowns at Beverly Hills Dental Center

Dr. Roger Eshaghian taught as an assistant professor in the Restorative Department at USC's dental school, and restorative work for adults with complex dental problems remains a central part of his practice in Beverly Hills. Crowns and veneers are currently listed from $199 a month on the offers page, and the cosmetic dentistry page explains when a crown is the right call. If you have a cracked, worn or heavily filled tooth, call (310) 659-7063 or book an appointment at 8920 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 627.