If your dentist has mentioned dental crowns, you’re probably wondering what they actually are, why you might need one, and what the whole process looks like. You’re not alone. Dental crowns are one of the most common restorative treatments we see at Bertagnolli Dental, and for good reason. They’re versatile, durable, and can make a real difference in both how your teeth function and how your smile looks.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, a weakened molar, or you’re exploring options after a root canal, understanding dental crowns can help you make a confident decision about your care. Here’s what Westminster residents (and our neighbors in Denver) should know about this tried-and-true dental solution.
Key Takeaways
- A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance.
- Common reasons for needing dental crowns include severe decay, cracked teeth, root canal recovery, and supporting dental bridges or implants.
- Crown materials vary—porcelain offers the most natural look, metal provides maximum durability, and porcelain-fused-to-metal balances both.
- The dental crown procedure typically requires two visits: one for preparation and impressions, and another for permanent placement.
- With proper care and regular dental checkups, most dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years, with some lasting 20 years or more.
- Maintain your crown by brushing twice daily, flossing around the gum line, and avoiding hard or sticky foods that can cause damage.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. Think of it like a protective helmet for your tooth. It covers the entire visible portion above the gum line, restoring the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Crowns are crafted to match your natural teeth, so once it’s in place, most people won’t notice it’s there. The goal is to bring back full function to a tooth that’s been compromised by decay, trauma, or wear, while also protecting it from further damage down the road.
Unlike fillings that repair a small portion of a tooth, crowns wrap around the entire structure. This makes them ideal for situations where a tooth needs more substantial reinforcement. They’re cemented permanently in place, so you can eat, speak, and smile without worrying about them shifting or coming loose.
Common Reasons You Might Need a Dental Crown
There are quite a few scenarios where a dental crown becomes the best solution. Here are the most common reasons we recommend them to patients in Westminster:
- Severe tooth decay: When a cavity is too large for a filling to handle, a crown provides the coverage and strength the tooth needs.
- Cracked or fractured teeth: A crown holds a damaged tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading.
- After a root canal: Root canal treatment can leave a tooth more fragile. A crown protects and reinforces it.
- Worn-down teeth: Years of grinding or acid erosion can wear teeth down significantly. Crowns restore their original shape.
- Supporting a dental bridge: Crowns anchor the bridge by capping the teeth on either side of a gap.
- Covering a dental implant: Once an implant is placed, a crown goes on top to function as the visible tooth.
- Cosmetic improvements: Sometimes a tooth is severely discolored or misshapen. A crown can give it a completely new look.
If any of these situations sound familiar, it’s worth having a conversation with your dentist about whether a crown makes sense for you.
Types of Dental Crown Materials
Not all dental crowns are created equal. The material your crown is made from affects its durability, appearance, and cost. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options.
Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are popular choices, especially for front teeth where appearance matters most. They’re made entirely from ceramic material and can be matched precisely to the color of your natural teeth.
The big advantage here is aesthetics. Porcelain crowns look incredibly natural and don’t have any metal showing through. They’re also biocompatible, which is great news if you have metal sensitivities or allergies. With proper care, porcelain crowns typically last 10 years or more.
The trade-off? They’re not quite as strong as metal options. For back teeth that handle heavy chewing, your dentist might suggest a more durable material. But for that front tooth you chip on a popcorn kernel? Porcelain is often the way to go.
Metal and Metal Alloy Crowns
Metal crowns are the workhorses of the dental crown world. They’re made from gold alloys, palladium, or base metal alloys like nickel and chromium. What they lack in aesthetics, they make up for in sheer durability.
These crowns can withstand serious biting and chewing forces, making them excellent for molars that do the heavy lifting. They rarely chip or break, and they require less removal of your natural tooth structure during placement. Gold alloys, in particular, are gentle on opposing teeth and highly biocompatible.
The obvious downside is the metallic color. Most people don’t want a gold or silver tooth showing when they smile. That’s why metal crowns are typically reserved for back teeth that aren’t visible.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer a middle ground. They have a metal core for strength, covered by a porcelain layer for a more natural appearance.
PFM crowns work well for both front and back teeth. They’re stronger than all-porcelain options and more affordable too. But, over time, the metal underneath can sometimes show through as a dark line near the gum line, especially if your gums recede.
For many Westminster families looking for a balance of durability and appearance without very costly, PFM crowns remain a solid choice.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a dental crown usually takes two visits, though the process is straightforward. Here’s what you can expect.
First Visit: Preparation and Impressions
During your first appointment, we’ll examine the tooth and take X-rays to assess the root and surrounding bone. If there’s extensive decay or risk of infection, a root canal might be needed first.
Next comes tooth preparation. We’ll reshape the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the crown. If the tooth is severely damaged or broken, we may need to build it up with filling material to support the crown.
Once the tooth is prepped, we’ll take impressions. These detailed molds get sent to a dental lab where your custom crown is fabricated. In the meantime, you’ll leave with a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth.
Second Visit: Placement
When your permanent crown is ready (usually within a couple of weeks), you’ll come back to have it fitted. We’ll remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color of the new one, and make any necessary adjustments.
Once everything looks right, we’ll cement the crown permanently in place. You might feel some minor sensitivity afterward, but that typically fades within a few days.
At Bertagnolli Dental, we walk our patients through each step so there are no surprises. Most people find the process much easier than they expected.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How long will my crown last?” The honest answer: it depends.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, most crowns last between 10 and 15 years. Some last much longer. Metal and zirconia crowns tend to be the most durable, often lasting 20 years or more. Porcelain crowns, while beautiful, may need replacement sooner, especially if they’re on teeth that handle a lot of chewing force.
Several factors affect crown longevity:
- Oral hygiene habits: Brushing twice daily and flossing around the crown keeps the underlying tooth healthy.
- Grinding or clenching: If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard can protect your crown from excessive wear.
- Diet: Chewing ice, hard candy, or using your teeth as tools (we’ve all done it) can shorten a crown’s lifespan.
- Regular checkups: Catching small issues early prevents bigger problems.
During routine exams, we check all existing dental work, including crowns, for signs of wear or damage. Catching a loose crown early is much easier than dealing with a broken one.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Here’s the good news: caring for a dental crown isn’t complicated. For the most part, you treat it like a natural tooth.
Daily Care
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily, paying attention to the area where the crown meets the gum line
- Consider an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria buildup
What to Avoid
- Chewing on hard objects like ice, pen caps, or fingernails
- Sticky foods that can pull at the crown
- Using your teeth to open packages (seriously, don’t do this)
Watch for Warning Signs
If your crown feels loose, you notice pain when biting down, or you see a dark line forming at the gum, schedule an appointment. These can be signs that something needs attention.
For patients who grind their teeth, we often recommend a custom night guard. It’s a small investment that can add years to your crown’s life.
The bottom line? A dental crown doesn’t require special maintenance. Just the same good habits that keep the rest of your mouth healthy.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are a reliable, proven solution for restoring damaged teeth and protecting your smile for years to come. Whether you need one due to decay, a fracture, or as part of a larger treatment plan, understanding your options helps you feel confident in your care.
At Bertagnolli Dental, we’ve helped thousands of patients throughout Westminster and the Denver area restore their dental health with crowns and other restorative treatments. Our team takes the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.
If you think you might need a dental crown, or if it’s just time for a checkup, we’d love to see you. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Your smile is worth taking care of.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
What is a dental crown and how does it work?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, covering the entire visible portion above the gum line. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage. Crowns are cemented permanently in place for lasting function.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, most dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years. Metal and zirconia crowns tend to be the most durable, often lasting 20 years or more. Factors like grinding habits, diet, and care routines significantly affect crown longevity.
What are the different types of dental crown materials?
The main types include all-porcelain or ceramic crowns (best for front teeth aesthetics), metal crowns like gold alloys (most durable for molars), and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (a balanced option for strength and appearance). Your dentist will recommend the best material based on the tooth’s location and function.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
The dental crown procedure is generally not painful. Local anesthesia is used during tooth preparation, so you won’t feel discomfort. You may experience minor sensitivity after the permanent crown is placed, but this typically fades within a few days. Most patients find the process easier than expected.
How much does a dental crown cost without insurance?
Dental crown costs typically range from $800 to $3,000 per tooth without insurance, depending on the material used and geographic location. Porcelain and zirconia crowns tend to cost more than metal options. Many dental offices offer payment plans to make treatment more affordable.
When is a dental crown needed instead of a filling?
A dental crown is recommended when a cavity is too large for a filling, when a tooth is cracked or fractured, after a root canal, or when teeth are significantly worn down. Unlike fillings that repair small portions, crowns wrap around the entire tooth structure for more substantial reinforcement.