What a crown covers—and what it cannot fix
A crown fits over the visible portion of a tooth rather than filling only a small opening. It is often used for a tooth with a large filling, substantial decay, a fracture, or weakness after root canal treatment. Ceramic is selected to resemble the surrounding teeth, although no restoration perfectly duplicates natural enamel.
A crown needs a stable foundation. It does not cure gum disease, remove an infection inside a tooth, or make every cracked tooth repairable. A smaller filling or another treatment could be a better fit, depending on how much healthy tooth remains.
Checking the tooth before preparation
Dr. Eric Klein, DMD, examines the tooth, surrounding gums, and bite. X-rays help show decay, the roots, and the bone supporting the tooth. Tell him about pain with chewing, lingering sensitivity, grinding, and any recent injury, since these details affect the treatment plan.
The next step is deciding whether the tooth can support a crown and whether decay removal, a supporting buildup, or root canal treatment is needed first. Those treatments have separate time and cost implications. You receive an explanation of the options and an exact written estimate before treatment starts.
First visit: preparation, scanning, and temporary protection
First, local anesthetic numbs the tooth and nearby tissues. Next, damaged material is removed and the tooth is shaped to create space for the crown. If too little tooth remains, a buildup supplies additional support. Preparation changes the tooth permanently; a crown is not a removable cosmetic cover.
The 3Shape TRIOS digital intraoral scanner captures the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. Bite records and shade selection guide the laboratory. A temporary crown then protects the prepared tooth while the ceramic crown is made. A typical preparation appointment takes about 60 to 90 minutes, with extra time possible for additional treatment.
Laboratory fabrication and the second visit
Lab-fabricated ceramic crowns are made outside the office from the tooth records. The interval between preparation and fitting is typically one to three weeks, depending on laboratory work and scheduling. The temporary crown stays in place during that interval; it is not intended as the final restoration.
At the second visit, the temporary is removed and the ceramic crown is checked for fit, contact with neighboring teeth, appearance, and bite. Adjustments come before final cementation. This visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. A crown that needs laboratory changes can require another appointment rather than being cemented with an unsatisfactory fit.
Eating and cleaning with a temporary crown
Wait until numbness wears off before chewing so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. While wearing the temporary, avoid sticky foods that could pull it loose and hard foods that could fracture it. Chew on the other side if the tooth feels tender.
Brush gently around the temporary and clean between teeth. Slide floss out sideways rather than pulling it upward against the crown. Contact the office if the temporary loosens, comes off, or your bite feels unusually high. Do not use household glue. Severe pain or swelling needs prompt dental evaluation.
Crown costs, insurance, and membership savings
Crown cost changes with the tooth's condition, the restoration required, and additional work such as a buildup or root canal treatment. The exact written estimate separates the crown from related treatment before work begins. No single fee describes every tooth.
Quality Family Dentistry accepts Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, Guardian, United Concordia, Humana, CareFirst, UnitedHealthcare, and Principal. Crown benefits depend on your particular policy, including deductibles, annual maximums, waiting periods, and replacement limits. An insurance estimate is not a guarantee of payment.
For patients without insurance, eligible crown procedures receive 20% off through the membership plan. Implants and clear aligner therapy are excluded from this discount. The plan is not dental insurance, cannot be combined with any insurance plan or other offer or discount, and does not cover outside specialist referrals. Check eligibility and the crown estimate before enrolling.
Keeping the finished crown and its supporting tooth healthy
A crowned tooth still needs daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth. Decay can develop at the edge where the crown meets natural tooth, so routine exams remain important. Avoid chewing ice or using teeth to open packages.
Mild sensitivity after fitting can settle over days to a few weeks. Report persistent pain, swelling, a loose crown, or a bite that feels uneven instead of waiting for the next cleaning. Crown longevity varies with oral hygiene, grinding, tooth condition, and wear; no fixed lifespan is guaranteed.
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Frequently asked questions
How many visits does a ceramic crown take?
Two visits are typical: one to prepare and scan the tooth, and another to fit the laboratory crown. They are commonly spaced one to three weeks apart. Additional treatment or laboratory adjustments can extend the process.
Does getting a crown always require a root canal?
No, a crown does not automatically require root canal treatment. A root canal treats damaged or infected tissue inside the tooth; a crown covers its outside. The examination and X-rays help establish whether either or both treatments are needed.
Should I call if my temporary crown comes loose?
Yes, contact the office promptly if your temporary crown loosens or comes off. The prepared tooth needs protection while the final crown is being made. Keep the temporary if you have it, avoid chewing there, and never use household glue.
Will my dental insurance cover a crown?
Yes, some dental policies include crown benefits, but coverage depends on your plan and the reason for treatment. Deductibles, annual maximums, and replacement limits affect your share. Review the written estimate and your insurer's benefit information before treatment begins.
Can a tooth still get a cavity under a crown?
Yes, the natural tooth can develop decay along the crown's edge even though ceramic itself does not decay. Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth daily, and keep regular exams so changes around the crown can be identified.