A fake-looking tooth in your smile
A crown that’s a shade too white or a little too bulky can be the only thing people notice when you smile. Natural teeth vary in color and shape, and a good restoration blends in with the teeth around it.
Your crown is matched to your neighboring teeth and shaped to your bite. If you’re planning whitening, it’s done first, so the new crown matches your brighter shade instead of the old one.
Waiting weeks with a temporary
A traditional crown means weeks in a temporary that can come loose at the worst times. Many crowns here are designed and milled in the office in a single visit instead. The full walk-through of a same-day crown visit is on the dental crowns page.
For an implant, the final crown goes on once the implant has healed into the bone. Because placement and restoration happen in the same office, the team that placed your implant is the one finishing it.
A broken tooth you’re afraid will be pulled
When a tooth cracks or breaks, many people assume it’s lost. Often it isn’t. Depending on how much of the tooth is left, a filling, a crown, or a root canal followed by a crown can save it.
You’ll see the X-ray and hear plainly whether the tooth can be saved and what each option costs. If removing it really is the better long-term choice, you’ll hear why, along with your options for replacing it.
Not knowing whether a bridge or an implant is better
When a tooth is missing, a bridge and an implant can both fill the gap, but they work differently. A bridge is anchored to the teeth on either side, which usually means reshaping them. An implant stands on its own and leaves neighboring teeth alone, but takes longer and often costs more.
Both are done here, so you’ll hear the honest trade-offs for your mouth, with an itemized estimate for each before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a crown last?
Many crowns last ten to fifteen years or longer with good care. Grinding your teeth, chewing ice and skipping cleanings shorten that. Your crowns are checked at your regular visits, so wear or a gap at the edge gets caught early.
Can every crown be done in one visit?
Not every one, but many can. CEREC works well for most single crowns. Some situations, like certain bridges or a crown on an implant, may take more than one visit. You’ll know before your appointment which applies to you.
What’s the difference between a crown and an implant crown?
A regular crown covers your own tooth, which still has its root. An implant crown sits on an implant that replaces a missing root. Both are matched to your other teeth, so they look the same in your smile.
Does insurance cover tooth restoration?
Many plans cover part of crowns, bridges and fillings when they repair damage or decay. Coverage for implant crowns varies more. Your itemized estimate shows exactly what your plan pays before anything is scheduled.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
On back teeth, usually yes. A tooth that’s had a root canal is more brittle and can crack under chewing pressure, and a crown protects it. Front teeth sometimes only need a filling. You’ll hear which applies to your tooth.