Dental Crowns: Restore Damaged Teeth

Dental crowns typically range from $800-$1,500 per tooth, depending on the material chosen and complexity of your case. Porcelain and zirconia crowns are generally more expensive than metal options, but insurance often covers a portion of the cost since crowns are usually medically necessary. We provide detailed estimates during consultation and offer financing to make treatment affordable.

Quality crowns typically last 10-15 years with proper care, though some patients keep theirs much longer. Factors affecting longevity include the material chosen, your bite habits, oral hygiene, and whether you wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Gold crowns often last the longest, sometimes 20+ years.

The crown process typically takes 2-3 weeks and two appointments. First, we prepare the tooth by removing damaged structure, take precise impressions, and place a temporary crown. Your permanent crown is custom-fabricated in a dental lab. At the second appointment, we remove the temporary crown, check the fit and bite, then permanently cement your new crown.

Crowns are recommended when a tooth has lost significant structure – typically more than 50% due to large fillings, cracks, or root canal treatment. For minor chips or stains, veneers work better. For small cavities, regular fillings are sufficient. Crowns are the gold standard when a tooth needs complete protection and strength restoration.

Temporary crowns are placed while your permanent crown is being fabricated in the lab, usually for 1-2 weeks. They’re made from weaker materials and aren’t meant for long-term use. Permanent crowns are custom-made from durable materials and cemented permanently once we verify the perfect fit and bite.

The procedure itself isn’t painful since we use local anesthesia to numb the area completely. Most patients experience only mild sensitivity for a few days after the anesthesia wears off, which responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers. The temporary crown period is typically very comfortable.

Crown materials don’t respond to whitening treatments, so it’s important to achieve your desired tooth shade before crown placement. If you want whiter teeth, we typically recommend professional whitening first, then match your crown to the new lighter shade. This is why we often suggest whitening as part of comprehensive smile planning.