Dental Crowns Quick Facts
A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that fits over a tooth, covering the entire visible part above the gum line. Crowns help restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of teeth that are damaged or decayed.​
Cost
Can be expensive
Insurance
Covered in some policies
Time
Multiple Visits Needed
What Our Patients Are Saying
Graeme Henderson
"During my visit, Dr. Holt took the time to thoroughly explain each procedure and address any concerns I had, ensuring that I felt comfortable and informed every step of the way."
Getting Dental Crowns
At A Glance
01
Initial Consultation
During the first visit, Dr Holt will evaluate the affected tooth, take X-rays, and discuss treatment options. This appointment usually lasts about 1 to 2 hours.
02
Prepping Your Teeth
Dr Holt will prepare your tooth by removing decay and shaping it to fit the crown. An impression of the tooth will be taken, and a temporary crown may be placed. This step usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
03
Crown Fabrication
Your tooth impression is sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is fabricated. This process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the lab's workload and the complexity of the crown.
04
Final Placement
Once the crown is ready you'll return to remove the temporary crown, check the fit of the permanent crown, make any necessary adjustments, and then have your permanent crown cemented in place.
Living With Your New Crown
Oral Hygiene
To take care of your crown, gently brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. This helps prevent plaque buildup while protecting the crown.
You should wait 48 hours after placement of your crown before flossing and be sure to take care when you do eventually floss. Be sure to slide the floss out from between your teeth instead of pulling it up to avoid loosening the crown.
Sensitivity Management
After getting a crown, it's normal to feel some sensitivity to hot and cold, which may last for a few weeks. If necessary, over-the-counter pain relievers can help as can special toothpastes for sensitive teeth. The sensitivity should gradually decrease over time. If it does not, or you are experiencing a lot of pain. Schedule a follow-up visit with Dr John immediately.
Long-Term Care
Once the initial healing period is complete, you can return to normal eating habits.
However, it's wise to continue avoiding very hard or sticky foods to protect your crown. Regular dental check-ups every six months are crucial for monitoring the crown and the health of your gums and surrounding teeth. If you experience any discomfort, sensitivity, or changes in how the crown fits, be sure to contact us for an appointment as soon as possible.
Dental Crown FAQs
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap made of metal, porcelain or sometimes gold, that is placed over a tooth to cover the entire visible portion above the gum line. Dental crowns are most often functional in nature and are used to restore the shape, size, and strength, of damaged or decayed teeth. However, can also be requested for aesthetic reasons also.
How do I know if I need a dental crown?
A dental crown may be necessary if you have severe tooth decay, a cracked or fractured tooth, or large fillings that weaken the tooth’s structure. Crowns are also recommended after root canals to protect the tooth from becoming brittle. In some cases, crowns are used for cosmetic reasons, like covering discolored or misshapen teeth, or when previous restorations are damaged. If you experience pain, sensitivity, or any of these issues, it’s important to consult your dentist for an evaluation to determine if a crown is needed.
What do dental crowns cost?
The cost of dental crowns typically ranges from $500 to $3,000 per tooth. The average price is often cited as around $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the specifics of the case and the materials chosen. Metallic crowns are often the cheapest with porcelain crowns being generally the most expensive. If additional procedures are necessary (such as root canals or gum treatments), these can significantly increase the overall expense. Insurance coverage for dental crowns can vary widely depending on the specific dental plan and the circumstances surrounding the need for the crown
Crowns vs Venners. Whats the difference?
Dental crowns and veneers are both popular dental restoration options, but they serve different purposes and are used in different situations. The key difference between dental crowns and veneers is the reason for use. Veneers are almost always entirely cosmetic but crowns serve to provide support and protection for your teeth. The next difference is coverage of the tooth - crowns cover the entire tooth while veneers only cover the front surface. You need a crown if you have significant damage, decay, or structural issues with a tooth that needs to be protected and restored. You want a veneer if your teeth are mostly healthy but you want to improve their appearance for cosmetic reasons.
How long do dental crowns last?
On average, dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years. Their durability can depend heavily on the material they are made of where they are located in the mouth and your hygiene habits.
Who will be performing my crown procedure?
Your dentists for this procedure will be Dr John Holt Sr and Dr John Holt Junior. A family legacy of great dentistry and hundreds of patients served you are in very good hands for your crowns.