A dental crown is a custom restoration that completely covers or “caps” a damaged tooth, restoring its natural size, shape, and strength while enhancing its appearance. Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is too weakened or broken to be repaired effectively with a filling alone.

By protecting the underlying tooth structure, a crown helps prevent further damage and restores proper function, allowing patients to bite and chew comfortably again.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns serve both restorative and cosmetic purposes, helping to strengthen teeth, improve appearance, and restore function. A crown may be recommended for several reasons, including:

• Covering discolored or misshapen teeth for a more uniform smile
• Supporting a tooth with a large filling when little natural structure remains
• Holding a cracked tooth together to prevent further fracture
• Restoring a broken or severely worn tooth
• Anchoring a dental bridge or covering a dental implant for added stability

Dental crowns are a versatile, long-lasting solution that enhance both the strength and beauty of your smile.

The Dental Crown Procedure

The dental crown process is typically completed over two appointments to ensure a precise fit and natural appearance.

First Appointment: Tooth Preparation and Temporary Crown

The affected tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic, then carefully reshaped to make room for the crown. After shaping, the dentist takes an impression of the tooth and surrounding gums using a specialized dental putty or digital scanner.

This impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where a custom crown is crafted to match the patient’s exact tooth color and bite alignment—a process that usually takes two to three weeks. In the meantime, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth and maintain normal function.

Second Appointment: Permanent Crown Placement

Once the permanent crown is ready, the temporary one is removed. The dentist then checks the color, fit, and bite of the new crown to ensure comfort and precision before permanently cementing it into place.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several types of dental crowns, each made from different materials and offering unique advantages. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on the tooth’s location, your bite, and your aesthetic goals.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are made entirely of durable metal alloys that may include gold, platinum, palladium, or other metals. They require the least removal of natural tooth structure and are highly resistant to chipping, cracking, or wear. Because of their metallic color, they are typically recommended for molars or back teeth where appearance is less of a concern.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal or PFM Crowns

PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain. The inner metal structure provides durability, while the porcelain coating is color-matched to your surrounding teeth for a lifelike appearance.

Although they offer excellent strength and aesthetics, PFMs can sometimes show a dark line near the gum and may wear down opposing teeth more than all-metal crowns. The porcelain surface can also chip with heavy bite pressure.

Resin Crowns

All-resin crowns are a budget-friendly option that can mimic the appearance of natural teeth. However, they are less durable than metal or porcelain crowns and more prone to chipping, cracking, and wear over time. They are often used as temporary or short-term restorations rather than long-term solutions.

Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns

Ceramic crowns offer the most natural tooth color and translucency, making them ideal for front teeth and highly visible areas. While not as strong as metal or PFM crowns, they provide excellent aesthetics and biocompatibility for patients with metal sensitivities. They may cause minor wear on opposing teeth but remain the most cosmetically pleasing crown material available.

Complications of Dental Crowns

After receiving a dental crown, some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity, especially if the crowned tooth still contains a nerve. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is common and can often be managed by using toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Although crowns are durable and long-lasting, occasional complications can occur. Below are some of the most common issues and how they are treated:

Pain or Sensitivity When Biting

If you feel pain or pressure when biting down, the crown may be too high on the tooth. This can be easily corrected—your dentist will adjust the crown’s height to ensure a comfortable and proper bite.

Chip in a Porcelain Crown

Small chips can often be repaired with composite resin without needing to replace the entire crown. However, if the damage is extensive, your dentist may recommend replacing the crown for optimal function and aesthetics.

Loose Dental Crown

If the cement beneath the crown loosens or washes away, bacteria can leak in, leading to decay. A dentist should be contacted promptly to re-secure or re-cement the crown and prevent further damage.

In some cases, a crown may fall off entirely due to worn cement or decay underneath. If this occurs, contact your dentist immediately. The crown may be reattached or replaced with a new one if necessary.

With consistent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental crowns typically last between 5 and 15 years—and sometimes even longer. Brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential to protect the crowned tooth and maintain its longevity.

Patients should consult with their dentist to determine whether a dental crown is the right restorative solution for their specific dental needs.

Additional Resources

MedlinePlus
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
WebMD