What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. A dental crown can also improve how a tooth looks. Some people call it a dental cap, because it caps the visible part of the tooth above the gum.[12]
When people look up dental procedures crown, they usually want to know what happens, how long it takes, and what it costs. A dental crown procedure covers the whole tooth, unlike a filling, which repairs only part of it. Once cemented in place, a dental crown works like a natural tooth for biting and chewing.
A dental crown can be placed on a natural tooth or on a dental implant. A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Research on single crowns supported by short implants reports high clinical success over time.[1] This makes the dental crown a common way to restore both damaged teeth and a missing tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns. The right choice depends on the tooth, your bite, and how visible the tooth is when you smile.[12]
- Metal crowns: Made from gold or other alloys. Metal crowns are strong and rarely chip, which makes them useful for back teeth. Their color is the main drawback.
- Porcelain fused to metal: A metal base with a tooth-colored outer layer. These crowns balance strength with a more natural look.
- All-ceramic and porcelain crowns: Made fully of ceramic. All-ceramic and porcelain crowns match natural teeth well and suit front teeth. Zirconia crowns are a strong ceramic option that works for both front and back teeth.
When a Dental Crown Is Recommended
A dentist recommends a dental crown when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but still has a healthy root. A crown protects what remains and restores normal function.
A crown procedure is often the next step after other treatments weaken or reshape a tooth. For example, a large filling or a root canal can leave a tooth more brittle. Root canal treated teeth often need a dental crown to guard against fracture, especially on back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces.
- A large cavity or a broken tooth that a filling cannot support
- A cracked tooth that needs to be held together to prevent further damage
- A tooth that has had a root canal and is now at higher risk of breaking
- Worn-down teeth from grinding or long-term wear
- A cap on a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
- An anchor to hold a dental bridge in place
- A cosmetic fix for a misshapen or discolored tooth
What to Expect During the Dental Crown Procedure
Most of the time, a dental crown procedure takes two visits a few weeks apart, though same-day options exist. The first visit shapes the tooth, and the second places the permanent crown.
Knowing each phase helps you feel prepared. The crown procedure is done under local anesthesia, so the tooth and gum are numb. You may feel pressure, but you should not feel sharp pain.
Before and During the Visit
Your dentist first examines the tooth and may take X-rays to check the root and surrounding bone. If decay or infection reaches the nerve, a root canal may be needed before the dental crown procedure begins.
During the visit, the dentist files down the damaged tooth to make room for the crown. Then an impression, or mold, of the tooth is taken. In a traditional crown procedure, this impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where technicians build the permanent crown. The dental laboratory step is why the wait between visits is usually two to three weeks.
Temporary or Permanent Crown
While the dental laboratory makes the permanent crown, the dentist places a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. A temporary crown is held with weak cement so it can be removed easily later.
At the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the fit and color of the permanent crown. Whether the crown is a temporary or permanent crown, your dentist will adjust the bite so it feels even. The permanent crown is then cemented firmly in place.
Same-Day Dental Crowns
Some offices offer same day dental crowns using in-office digital scanning and milling. With this same day method, a machine carves the crown from a ceramic block while you wait, often in a single appointment.
Same-day dental crowns skip the temporary crown and the outside dental laboratory. This can save time, but not every tooth or material works with the same day approach. Your dentist can tell you whether a same day crown or a lab-made dental crown fits your case better.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from a dental crown procedure is usually quick, and most people return to normal activities the same day. Mild soreness around the tooth and gum is common at first.
Day 1: The numbness wears off within a few hours. Avoid chewing on that side until feeling returns so you do not bite your cheek. Some tenderness or sensitivity to hot and cold is normal.
Week 1: Any soreness from the crown procedure should fade. The crown should start to feel like a natural tooth. If your bite feels high or uneven, call the office for a quick adjustment.
Month 1 and beyond: A well-fitted dental crown should cause no ongoing discomfort. Good oral health depends on proper oral hygiene around the crown. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep regular checkups so your dentist can monitor the crown and the tooth underneath.
- Normal: Mild gum soreness, short-term sensitivity to temperature, and a slight new feeling when biting
- Call the office: Pain that grows worse, a crown that feels loose or falls off, swelling, or a bite that stays uneven after a few days
Cost, Insurance, and Financing
A dental crown in the United States typically ranges from about $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity, so your estimate may fall outside this range.
The crown material affects the price. Metal crowns and porcelain fused to metal crowns often differ in cost from all-ceramic or zirconia crowns. Same-day dental crowns may be priced differently than lab-made crowns because of the in-office technology involved.
Many dental insurance plans cover part of a dental crown procedure when it is medically needed, such as after a cracked tooth or root canal. Coverage for crowns chosen for cosmetic reasons is often lower. Ask your insurer how much they pay and whether a waiting period applies.
If you pay out of pocket, ask the office about payment plans or third-party financing. Many practices let you spread the cost of the dental crown procedure over several months.
General Dentist or Specialist?
Most general dentists place dental crowns as a routine service. For complex cases, a prosthodontist may be the better choice. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist with extra training in restoring and replacing teeth.[11]
Consider a specialist when the case involves more than one crown, a full-mouth restoration, or a crown on a dental implant. Crown design on an implant matters, because crown height and width can affect marginal bone loss and long-term stability.[2] Survey research also shows that patient satisfaction after implant-supported restorations is generally high when the work is planned carefully.[6]
If you have a worn bite, a history of broken teeth, or a missing tooth that needs an implant crown, a prosthodontist can coordinate the full plan. You can learn more on the prosthodontics page.
Find a Crown Specialist Near You
Choosing the right provider helps your dental crown last and feel natural. If your case is complex, or you simply want a specialist's opinion, search our directory to find a prosthodontist near you and review their training before you book. Visit the prosthodontics page to start.
Search Prosthodontists in Your Area
