What Is a Crown?
A custom cover that fits over your tooth.
A dental crown fits entirely over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring it to its original shape, size, and strength. Modern porcelain crowns are color-matched to surrounding teeth — most people can’t tell which tooth was restored.
When is a crown the right answer?
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A tooth is too damaged or decayed for a filling to hold
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A tooth has cracked and is at risk of splitting further
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A tooth has had a root canal and needs protection
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A dental implant needs a permanent crown on top
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A tooth is severely worn down from grinding
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A large old filling has broken down and needs replacing
The Process
What your appointments look like.
Getting a crown typically involves two visits. Here’s what each one involves so you know exactly what to expect.
1
First Visit — Preparation
We numb the area with local anesthesia, reshape the tooth to make room for the crown, take digital scans or impressions, and place a temporary crown while your permanent one is made. Most patients are surprised by how manageable this appointment is.
2
Second Visit — Placement
We remove the temporary, check the fit and shade of your permanent crown, make any final adjustments, and cement it in place. Usually under an hour. You leave with a fully restored, permanent tooth.
Common Questions
What patients want to know before they come in.
Yes. We match the porcelain to the shade of your surrounding teeth. The goal is a result that blends in completely — no one should be able to tell which tooth was restored.
The preparation is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. The tooth and surrounding gum may be tender for a few days afterward — over-the-counter pain relievers handle this easily for most patients.
With good hygiene and regular cleanings, a porcelain crown typically lasts 10–20 years, sometimes longer. Avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding without a night guard helps significantly.
Most PPO plans cover crowns as a major restorative service — typically at 50% after your deductible. We verify your benefits before treatment and walk you through your estimated out-of-pocket cost before we begin anything.
You might also be interested in
Restorative
Dental Implants
Replace a missing tooth with a permanent, natural-feeling root.
Preventive
Dental Cleanings
Regular care keeps your crown — and the rest of your smile — healthy.
Urgent Care
Emergency Dentistry
Lost a crown or cracked a tooth? Call us today.