Perfectly Seamless Tooth Restoration
A dental crown is a protective cap that fits over a tooth to restore its strength and function, especially if it’s been broken, treated with a root canal, damaged by decay, or misshapen. Each crown is custom-made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, offering a natural-looking result that can last over 15 years. Beyond improving appearance, crowns help protect weakened teeth from further damage, support dental bridges, and secure dental implants, making them a key solution for maintaining long-term oral health.
What’s the Process of Getting a Crown?
A dental crown procedure typically takes two office visits and is performed by a dentist. Here’s how it works:
Examining and Preparing the Tooth
It all starts with a dental examination, where the dentist will check and clean your teeth, preparing them for a proper fit. If the tooth is broken or has extensive decay, any damaged areas will be removed to ensure the crown can effectively protect the tooth from further damage.
Shaping the Crown
Next, we’ll take an impression of your tooth using dental putty, which serves as a model for crafting your custom porcelain crown. While your permanent crown is being made, a temporary one will be placed to protect your tooth. If you’re getting a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, we’ll take impressions of the implant and surrounding teeth for the lab to create a perfectly fitting crown.
Placing the Crown
During the second visit, we’ll replace the temporary crown with your new, custom-made crown. It will be secured with durable dental cement or a hidden screw, and we’ll polish it to ensure a smooth, comfortable fit. Any final adjustments will be made to ensure your crown feels natural and secure. Throughout the process, the goal is to provide a strong, long-lasting restoration that helps protect your tooth, maintain oral health, and improve the appearance of your smile.
Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of a dental crown can vary significantly based on individual needs. For those with insurance, a single crown typically ranges from $200 to $600 or more. Without insurance, you can expect to pay around $800 to $1,200 and up. While most people find a dental crown a worthwhile investment to restore their smile and oral health, the price can still be a concern.
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What Factors Determine the Cost of a Dental Crown? Several factors influence the cost of a dental crown, including:
- Crown Material: Porcelain, ceramic, or metal options vary in price.
- Procedure Complexity: The location of the tooth and complexity of the procedure.
- Number of Crowns: More crowns mean higher costs.
- Combined Treatments: Crowns paired with bridges or implants.
- Supplies Needed: Specific materials and tools for your treatment.
It’s important to remember that no dental practice can give a precise quote over the phone since your needs are as unique as your smile. A consultation and oral exam with a dentist will help determine the best treatment options and provide an accurate estimate. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a quote for submission so you can understand your out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the tooth’s location. Molars and premolars, which handle most of the chewing, typically require crowns after a root canal. However, front teeth like incisors and canines, which don’t bear as much pressure, may not always need one.
Crowns are more durable for teeth with large biting surfaces. Fillings on molars can wear out or chip under constant pressure from chewing or clenching. A crown, being a solid surface, is designed to withstand more force over time.
Not at all! Crowns restore the full function of a tooth, allowing pain-free chewing. They are crafted to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, blending in seamlessly—so much that you may forget which tooth has a crown.
A dental post is used to strengthen a tooth after a root canal if there’s not enough tooth structure to support a crown. It’s not the same as an implant but helps provide a stable base for the crown.
Getting a crown feels similar to getting a filling. We numb the area thoroughly to ensure comfort, though you might experience some mild sensitivity or gum soreness afterward. If you’re anxious, let us know, and we’ll make your visit as relaxing as possible.
Dental crowns can last up to 15 years, and with proper care, they may last 25-30 years.
Care for your crown just like a natural tooth—brush, floss, and maintain regular dental checkups to keep it and the surrounding gums healthy.