What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a natural tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns cover the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, reinforcing the tooth structure while blending seamlessly with your natural smile.

Crowns are commonly recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a standard dental filling or tooth-colored restoration, but still healthy enough to preserve.

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

You may need a dental crown to:

• Reinforce a cracked or broken tooth
  
• Repair a tooth with a large, failing filling
  
• Cover a tooth that is severely decayed
  
• Strengthen a tooth after root canal therapy
• Complete a dental implant restoration
  
• Anchor a dental bridge

Crowns not only restore function but also protect teeth from further damage and enhance the overall appearance of your smile.

Types of Dental Crowns Offered at Foundation Dental

At Foundation Dental, we provide several types of crowns tailored to your needs:

Porcelain Crowns

Ideal for restoring front teeth, porcelain crowns are highly aesthetic, offering a natural translucency and color match to your existing teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

Combining the strength of a metal base with the appearance of porcelain, these crowns are suitable for both front and back teeth.

All-Metal Crowns

All-metal crowns (often made from gold alloys) are extremely durable and ideal for molars that endure heavy chewing forces.

For patients seeking faster solutions, we also offer same-day CEREC crowns, crafted with precision and placed in a single visit.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Our crown process typically involves two appointments:

• Step 1: Tooth Preparation
  The damaged tooth is gently reshaped to create space for the crown. Impressions are taken to ensure a precise fit.
  
• Step 2: Temporary Crown Placement
  A temporary acrylic crown protects your tooth while your permanent crown is being custom-made at our dental lab.
  
• Step 3: Permanent Crown Placement
  Once your new crown is ready (usually within 1–2 weeks), we replace the temporary crown, bond the permanent crown securely, and fine-tune the fit for a natural, comfortable result.
  

Using digital technology and meticulous craftsmanship, Dr. Daggs ensures that your crown will feel natural and look flawless.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Choosing a dental crown offers many advantages:

• Restores and protects a weak or damaged tooth
  
• Enhances the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth
  
• Provides long-lasting durability, often 10–30 years or more with proper care
  
• Reduces discomfort from large cavities or broken fillings
  
• Strengthens teeth treated with root canals or large restorations
  

Crowns are an integral part of both restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, helping patients achieve strong, attractive smiles.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

To ensure your crown lasts as long as possible:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day
  
• Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens
  
• Visit Foundation Dental regularly for exams and cleanings to monitor your restoration
  
• Address any discomfort or bite issues promptly
  

With proper care, your dental crown can last many years, keeping your smile strong and beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dental crown last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a crown can last 10 to 30 years, and in some cases even longer.

What is the downside of a tooth crown?

While crowns are highly durable, they may eventually need replacement due to wear or changes in the underlying tooth. Crowns also require slight reduction of the natural tooth during preparation.

Is it painful to get a crown?

Getting a crown is generally not painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area during preparation. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal but temporary.

Does a crown require a root canal?

Not always. A crown may be placed without a root canal if the tooth's nerve is healthy. However, if decay or trauma has affected the tooth pulp, root canal therapy may be needed first.