What Is a Dental Crown and When Do You Need One?
A dental crown is a restoration that completely covers a tooth. Think of it as a protective shell that fits over the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. The crown is cemented into place and becomes the new outer surface of the tooth.
Crowns serve two main purposes: they protect weakened teeth from breaking, and they restore teeth that are already broken or severely worn. A crown also improves the appearance of a misshapen or badly discolored tooth. Once in place, a crown looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Common Reasons You May Need a Dental Crown
- After a root canal: The treated tooth becomes more brittle and needs a crown for protection
- Large cavity: When a tooth has too much decay for a standard filling to hold
- Cracked or fractured tooth: A crown holds the pieces together and prevents further damage
- Worn-down tooth: Teeth ground down by grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion may need crowns to restore their height
- Cosmetic improvement: A crown can reshape a severely misshapen or discolored tooth
- Supporting a dental bridge: Crowns on the teeth next to a gap anchor a bridge in place
- Covering a dental implant: An implant crown replaces the visible portion of a missing tooth
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made from different materials, and each has its strengths. The best choice depends on which tooth needs the crown, how much biting force it handles, and whether appearance is a priority.
All-Porcelain and All-Ceramic Crowns
These crowns are made entirely from porcelain or ceramic material. They provide the most natural appearance because they mimic the translucency and color of real teeth. All-ceramic crowns are the most popular choice for front teeth where appearance matters most. Materials like zirconia and lithium disilicate offer improved strength while still looking natural.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns have a metal core covered with a porcelain outer layer. The metal provides strength, while the porcelain gives a tooth-colored appearance. These crowns are a good balance of durability and aesthetics. However, the metal underneath can sometimes show as a dark line near the gum, especially if the gum recedes over time.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made from gold alloy, palladium, or base metal alloys like nickel or chromium. They are the strongest and most durable option and require the least amount of tooth structure to be removed. Metal crowns withstand heavy biting and chewing forces well, making them a good choice for back molars that are not visible when you smile. Their metallic color is the main drawback.
Same-Day Crowns (CAD/CAM)
Some dental offices use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to make crowns in a single visit. The dentist takes a digital scan of your tooth, designs the crown on a computer, and mills it from a ceramic block while you wait. Same-day crowns eliminate the need for a temporary crown and a second appointment. The materials are strong, but the color-matching options may be more limited than with a lab-made crown.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a traditional dental crown typically requires two visits spaced about 2 to 3 weeks apart. Here is what to expect at each appointment.
First Visit: Tooth Preparation
Your dentist numbs the tooth with a local anesthetic. The tooth is then reshaped by removing a thin layer of enamel from all sides and the top. This creates space for the crown to fit over the tooth without making it bulky or taller than your other teeth. The amount removed depends on the type of crown being used. Metal crowns require less removal than porcelain crowns.
After shaping the tooth, the dentist takes an impression (or a digital scan) of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This impression is sent to a dental lab, where a technician creates a custom crown that matches the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. A temporary crown made of acrylic or composite material is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready.
Second Visit: Placing the Permanent Crown
At your second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the fit, color, and bite of the permanent crown. Adjustments are made if needed. Once everything looks and feels right, the crown is cemented permanently onto the tooth. The dentist checks your bite one final time to make sure the crown sits evenly with your other teeth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Most dental crowns last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Many last significantly longer. The lifespan of a crown depends on several factors, including the material, the location of the tooth, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind your teeth.
Metal and gold crowns tend to last the longest because they resist wear and fracture. All-porcelain crowns are more prone to chipping, especially on back teeth that handle heavy biting forces. PFM crowns fall somewhere in between. Regardless of the material, a crown can fail prematurely if the tooth underneath develops new decay, the cement washes out, or the crown cracks from trauma or grinding.
How to Care for a Dental Crown
A crowned tooth needs the same daily care as your natural teeth. The crown itself cannot develop cavities, but the natural tooth underneath it can. Decay at the margin where the crown meets the tooth is one of the most common reasons crowns eventually fail.
Daily Care Tips
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the gum line around the crown
- Floss daily, sliding the floss gently around the crown. If the crown is part of a bridge, use a floss threader or water flosser
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other very hard objects that can crack the crown
- If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a night guard to protect the crown
- See your dentist for regular checkups so they can monitor the crown and the tooth underneath it
Dental Crown Cost and Insurance
Dental crown costs vary based on the material used, the location of the dental practice, and the complexity of the case. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity.
As a general guide, porcelain and ceramic crowns typically cost $800 to $3,000 per tooth. PFM crowns range from $800 to $1,500. Metal and gold crowns range from $800 to $2,500. Same-day CAD/CAM crowns generally fall within the same range as lab-made porcelain crowns.
Most dental insurance plans classify crowns as a major procedure and cover 50% of the cost, though some plans cover more. Many plans have an annual maximum benefit (often $1,000 to $2,000), which may limit how much coverage you receive if you need multiple crowns in the same year. Dental offices often offer payment plans for the remaining balance.
When to See a Prosthodontist for a Crown
General dentists place crowns regularly and handle the majority of crown procedures. However, certain situations benefit from the advanced training of a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist is a dentist who completed 3 years of additional residency focused on restoring and replacing teeth. You can learn more about prosthodontists on our prosthodontics specialty page at /specialties/prosthodontics.
Consider a Prosthodontist When
- The crown is on a front tooth and appearance is critical
- You need multiple crowns or a full-mouth reconstruction
- The tooth has very little structure remaining and needs a custom approach
- You are getting a crown on a dental implant
- A previous crown has failed and needs to be redone
- You have a complex bite issue that affects how the crown fits with your other teeth
Find a Prosthodontist Near You
If you need a dental crown for a complex case or want the precision of a restoration specialist, a prosthodontist can help. Every prosthodontist on My Specialty Dentist has verified specialty credentials. Search by location to find prosthodontists in your area and schedule a consultation.
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