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When it comes to dental procedures, dental crowns are among the most common, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Not only can they improve the appearance of your smile, but may also enhance the function of your teeth.
But what exactly is a dental crown and what can you expect from the process? Here’s everything you need to know about dental crowns, including what they are, what to expect before and after the procedure, possible side effects and average costs.
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A dental crown, commonly referred to as a “cap”, is a tooth-shaped cover put over a tooth or artificial tooth root (called an implant) by a dentist or specialist. They are used to cover misshapen, damaged or discolored teeth, and are generally a long-term solution to restore the tooth to a typical shape or size. They can also be used as a hardened shield for a weakened tooth due to a filling or other dental procedure. As a result, crowns can be used to improve both appearance and function of an existing tooth.
Dental crowns are made from several different materials, and depending on the material, can be colored to look like the tooth it is replacing. The material chosen varies based on the location of the crown, the function of the tooth it’s replacing, the color of surrounding teeth and budget. Your dentist will choose a material based on your specific needs and preferences.
Commonly used dental crown materials include:
“Porcelain crowns are currently the most commonly used crowns because of their durability and aesthetic qualities,” says Onaedo Achebe, D.D.S., a general dentist based in New York and founder of Minti Oral Care. “Zirconia is a porcelain material that is most commonly used for the back teeth due to its strength. E-max [a material made from a type of ceramic] is most commonly used for front teeth because of its more natural look,” says Dr. Achebe.
Your dentist may recommend a dental crown for several reasons, including:
“One of the main reasons people need dental crowns is because a cavity has eroded more than 50% of the tooth, so a crown is used to replace the missing tooth structure,” says Gary Liu, D.M.D., a pediatric dentist in southern California. “Compared to dental fillings, crowns are more resistant to fracturing and seal the tooth better than fillings.”
“Crowns are also often done on molars after they have undergone root canal treatment,” he adds. “Root canal-treated teeth have had their internal nerve removed, and need a more secure seal, in addition to a restoration that can handle the strong bite forces of chewing.”
Dr. Liu also explains the use of dental crowns to enhance the overall appearance of your teeth, claiming that, “crowns for the front teeth can provide greater aesthetics for a person’s smile. These crowns can be custom-crafted by a dental lab technician to perfectly match a person’s existing teeth, or to upgrade a person’s smile.”
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In most cases, a dental crown procedure takes two visits, although some dentist offices are able to fabricate the crown right then and there using an in-house milling system. During the first visit, the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia and removes the damaged portion of the existing tooth—or builds up the tooth to better support the crown. Essentially, the dentist shapes your tooth to fit the crown, either by filing the tooth down or using a filling material to build it back up. Note that you may have to undergo a root canal procedure before this step if you have tooth decay or if there is risk of infection.
Next, your dentist will likely take an impression, or mold, of your teeth using impression materials or 3D scanners. The mold is sent to a dental laboratory, where a crown is custom-made to fit the existing tooth. In most cases, you’ll get a temporary crown during this appointment to protect the existing tooth while you wait for the permanent crown to be made.
“Patients are advised to avoid eating anything hard or crunchy with the temporary crown, or anything sticky and chewy with the temporary or permanent crown, as it can pull them off by accident,” advises Dr. Liu.
A few weeks later, the temporary crown is removed and the custom crown is fitted to the tooth and cemented in place. Some types of crowns, however, can be created same-day. In this case, you won’t receive a temporary crown, as your permanent crown will be ready during your initial appointment.
“Following a dental crown procedure, you may feel sore gums around the tooth that was worked on and soreness from the mouth regaining sensation from being numbed,” says Dr. Liu. “However, pain is not a common sensation felt after these dental procedures. Soreness can last up to one to two weeks, but rapid healing is expected by the gums in the mouth.”
Once the final crown is placed and the initial soreness has worn off, there may be some additional side effects to be aware of, including:
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your dentist. They will verify the crown is on and fitted correctly to reduce the risk of side effects in the future.
“A dental crown can last from five to 20 years depending on how it’s cared for, as well as the various habits and diet of the person,” says Dr. Liu. “Regular brushing and flossing can help maintain a well-sealed crown, free of cavities. Irregular teeth grinding and a diet high in crunchy, acidic or chewy foods can lead to accelerated wear and failure of the crown.”
He adds, “dental crowns need to be replaced if the seal of the dental crown is compromised, which can occur if the crown is fractured, cracked or if cavities start developing around the crown’s seated margin.”
The cost of a dental crown varies, typically ranging from $500 to $2,500 per crown (depending on the material of the crown)—plus exam fees, x-rays or other costs associated with the procedure itself.
The amount you’re responsible for depends on several factors, including:
Although the cost of a crown may be a concern, they often offer long-term cost savings. Crowns cover and protect the damaged tooth, and may reduce the risk of future procedures or complications from further decay or infection.
Talk to your dental insurance provider to determine whether they’ll cover a portion of the costs associated with your dental crown. Dental loans and third-party financing are also available to help you afford dental treatment.
Maintaining your routine six-month dental checkups and cleanings is especially important if you have a crown. However, you should contact your dentist immediately if you notice a crown is damaged, worn down or loose. You should also contact your dentist if you experience increased sensitivity, tooth pain, inflammation or swelling near the crown, as these could be signs of complications that need to be evaluated by a dental professional.
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Lindsay Modglin is a nurse and professional writer who regularly writes about complex medical topics, as well as travel and the great outdoors. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University School of Medicine and has contributed to many major publications including Insider and Verywell. As a passionate advocate for science-based content, she loves writing captivating material that supports scientific research and education. In her spare time, you can often find her exploring nature with her husband and three children.
Dr. Stacey Zirilli is an experienced general dentist currently providing comprehensive care to patients in southern Connecticut. She prioritizes providing compassionate care and ensuring patient comfort through effective communication and an empathetic approach. Her skills include restorative and aesthetic dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, fixed and removable prosthodontics and implant dentistry. After practicing for several years in Manhattan, Dr. Zirilli has recently moved back to her hometown in Fairfield County, Connecticut.