Dental Crowns: Everything You Need to Know

Dentist explains a dental crown procedure to a female patient - Dental Partners of Boston

If your dentist just mentioned that you need a crown, you probably have questions. What exactly is a dental crown? Why do you need one? Does it hurt? How much does it cost? And how long will it last?

In this post, we’ll answer all of those questions and more—so you can walk into your appointment informed and confident.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that completely encases a tooth. It’s used when a tooth is too damaged or weakened to be repaired with a standard filling but still has a solid root structure. By placing a crown, your dentist can save your natural tooth and restore its strength, function, and appearance.

Crowns are shaped to look just like natural teeth and are color-matched to blend in with your smile. Once cemented in place, they function just like a regular tooth.

dental crown illustration
Dental crown placement over tooth. 3D illustration

Types of Dental Crowns (And the Pros and Cons of Each)

Choosing the right type of crown depends on several factors, including the location of the tooth, your budget, and cosmetic preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns

  • Best for: Front teeth (highly visible)
  • Pros: Excellent aesthetics; blends naturally with surrounding teeth
  • Cons: Less durable than metal or zirconia; can chip or fracture with heavy biting

Porcelain crowns are often used when appearance is a top priority. These crowns can be carefully color-matched and are highly resistant to stains. However, because they are more brittle, they’re usually not recommended for molars or patients who grind their teeth.

2. Zirconia Crowns

  • Best for: Molars and high-stress areas
  • Pros: Extremely strong; tooth-colored; can withstand heavy chewing forces
  • Cons: Can cause wear on opposing teeth; less translucent than porcelain

Zirconia is a high-performance ceramic that offers the strength of metal with an aesthetic closer to porcelain. It’s often used when both appearance and durability are needed.

3. Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloys)

  • Best for: Out-of-sight molars and patients who want longevity
  • Pros: Very durable; requires minimal removal of natural tooth structure
  • Cons: Metallic color is obvious; not ideal for visible areas

Gold and other metal alloy crowns have been used for decades because of their exceptional strength and longevity. They rarely chip or crack, making them ideal for back teeth.

4. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

  • Best for: Anywhere in the mouth
  • Pros: Offers strength and aesthetics; widely used
  • Cons: Porcelain can chip; metal may show at the gumline over time

PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the beauty of a porcelain overlay. They’re versatile and durable, but over time, the metal underneath can cause a gray line to appear at the gums.

5. Resin Crowns

  • Best for: Temporary use or lower-cost options
  • Pros: Inexpensive; quick to place
  • Cons: Prone to wear and fractures; not suitable for long-term use

Resin crowns are typically used as temporary solutions. While affordable, they don’t hold up well over time compared to other materials.

Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?

There are several reasons your dentist may recommend a crown, and each serves to preserve your natural tooth and restore oral health.

1. To Repair a Large Cavity

If a cavity is too large for a filling to support, a crown can protect the remaining tooth structure. Fillings depend on surrounding enamel for stability—if there’s not enough left, the tooth becomes vulnerable to cracking.

2. To Restore a Broken or Cracked Tooth

Teeth that have fractured due to trauma, grinding, or biting hard objects often need the full-coverage support of a crown. A crown can hold the pieces together and prevent further breakage.

3. After a Root Canal

Root canals remove the infected nerve tissue inside a tooth, leaving it brittle. A crown is almost always placed afterward to strengthen the tooth and prevent fracture.

4. To Support a Dental Bridge

Crowns can anchor a dental bridge by fitting over the teeth on either side of a missing tooth. These crowned teeth support the false tooth (pontic) that fills the gap.

5. To Cover a Dental Implant

Implants act as artificial roots, and crowns are the visible part that attaches to them. The crown completes the restoration, functioning like a natural tooth.

6. For Cosmetic Enhancements

In some cases, crowns are used to improve the appearance of severely stained, worn, or misshapen teeth when veneers aren’t a suitable option.

What’s the Process of Getting a Crown?

1. First Visit: Examination and Preparation

  • Your dentist begins by examining the tooth and surrounding tissue. X-rays help determine if there’s decay, infection, or damage to the roots.
  • The tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown. This involves removing some enamel to ensure the crown fits properly.
  • An impression or digital scan of the tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab.
  • A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth for about 1–2 weeks.

2. Second Visit: Crown Placement

  • The temporary crown is removed, and your dentist checks the fit and color of the permanent one.
  • Once approved, the crown is cemented in place using a strong dental adhesive.
  • Final adjustments are made to ensure your bite feels natural.

Does Getting a Crown Hurt?

The process itself is not painful. Your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some mild soreness in the gums or sensitivity to hot and cold, especially if the tooth wasn’t previously treated with a root canal.

This sensitivity typically resolves within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen usually provide relief.

How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?

Dental crown costs vary significantly based on material, location, and insurance coverage.

Average costs in the U.S.:

  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal: $800 – $1,400
  • All-porcelain or ceramic: $1,000 – $1,800
  • Metal (gold or alloy): $900 – $2,500
  • Zirconia: $1,200 – $2,000
  • Resin (temporary): $300 – $600

Insurance Coverage

  • Many dental insurance plans cover 50% of the crown cost if it’s deemed medically necessary.
  • Crowns for purely cosmetic reasons (like changing a tooth’s shape or color) are often not covered.
  • Pre-authorization may be required, and annual maximums can limit how much your insurer will pay.

Always check with your insurance provider for a detailed breakdown.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, though many last much longer with proper care. Some gold or zirconia crowns can last 20+ years.

Longevity depends on several factors:

  • Material: Metal and zirconia last longer than resin or porcelain.
  • Oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing prevent decay at the crown margins.
  • Bite pressure: Grinding or clenching can wear down crowns faster.
  • Diet: Chewing hard objects (ice, pens, nuts) can damage crowns.

Can a Crowned Tooth Get a Cavity?

Yes, the tooth under the crown is still vulnerable to decay—especially at the edges where the crown meets the natural tooth (the margin). This area can trap plaque if not cleaned properly.

To reduce your risk:

  • Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss around the crown carefully
  • Use an antibacterial or fluoride mouth rinse
  • Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups

How to Care for Your Dental Crown

Dental crowns don’t require any special care beyond good oral hygiene, but being extra mindful can help them last longer.

Here’s what to do:

  • Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Floss daily and focus on the crown margins
  • Avoid sticky foods (like caramel), which can pull at crowns
  • Skip hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels
  • Use a night guard if you grind your teeth
  • Limit acidic drinks (like soda) to prevent decay at the crown’s base

What If My Crown Falls Off or Feels Loose?

This is rare, but it can happen. If your crown comes off:

  • Save the crown and store it safely
  • Don’t try to glue it back yourself
  • Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth
  • Call Dental Partners of Boston as soon as possible

A loose crown may be due to worn cement, decay underneath, or trauma. In some cases, the crown can be re-cemented. In others, a replacement may be needed.

Alternatives to Dental Crowns

Depending on your tooth’s condition, your dentist may recommend alternatives:

Onlays and Inlays

  • Partial restorations that cover only part of the tooth
  • More conservative than full crowns
  • Ideal for moderate decay or damage

Large Fillings

  • For minor to moderate cavities
  • Less protective than a crown but suitable if the tooth is structurally strong

Veneers

  • Thin coverings used for cosmetic improvements on front teeth
  • Not suitable for heavily damaged teeth

Extraction and Implants

  • If a tooth is too damaged to save, extraction followed by a dental implant may be a better long-term solution
  • It’s not a good idea to leave a space where a tooth is missing because the body will resorb the jawbone where the root should be, compromising the foundation of surrounding teeth

Why Dental Crowns Are a Smart Long-Term Investment

Dental crowns aren’t just a fix—they’re a long-term investment in your oral health and confidence. By reinforcing weak or damaged teeth, they help you chew comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently.

With the right material, visits to Dental Partners of Boston, and consistent care, your crown can last for many years—protecting your tooth and keeping your overall dental health on track.

Protect your smile and restore your confidence—schedule your dental crown consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger tooth.

Related Posts