Dental crowns are a key component of restorative dentistry, offering significant improvements in the strength, appearance, and longevity of your teeth. Whether you need to protect a weakened tooth, restore its function, or enhance its appearance, dental crowns provide a durable and effective solution.
A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” placed over a tooth that is broken, treated by root canal, stained, decayed, or misshapen. Crafted individually to match the tone and shape of your natural teeth, dental crowns offer a seamless and natural-looking restoration. With proper care, they can last over 15 years. In addition to restoring damaged teeth, crowns are sometimes used to secure dental bridges, complete dental implants, or for cosmetic enhancements to improve the appearance of your smile.
The dental crown procedure typically requires two office visits and is performed by your dentist. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
The cost of a dental crown can vary based on several factors. For patients with insurance, the average cost for a single crown is typically between $0 and $740. Without insurance, the cost can range from $1,514 or more per tooth. While a dental crown is often an easy decision for restoring function and appearance, the cost can be a consideration.
What Determines the Cost of a Dental Crown?
Keep in mind that no dental practice can provide an exact quote over the phone. Your needs are as unique as your smile, so it’s important to consult with a dentist and have an oral exam to get an accurate estimate. If you have dental insurance, we can provide you with a quote to submit to your insurer, allowing you to understand your out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.
Whether a crown is needed after a root canal depends on the location of the tooth. Teeth at the back of the mouth, such as molars and premolars, are used more for chewing and typically require crowns to restore their function. In contrast, front teeth like incisors or canines, which aren’t as heavily used for chewing, may not always require crowns after a root canal.
One key difference between crowns and fillings is that crowns are much more durable for teeth with large biting surfaces. Fillings, especially on the biting surfaces of molars, can chip or come loose due to the pressure from chewing or habitual clenching. Crowns, being a continuous, unbroken surface from gumline to gumline, are designed to withstand more force over a longer period, making them a better option for heavily used teeth.
Dental crowns serve two important functions. They restore the full function of your tooth, allowing you to chew without pain or discomfort. Additionally, crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They are coloured and contoured to match your smile, so much so that many people can’t even tell which tooth has the crown.
A dental post is a medical-grade post placed in the root canal of a tooth to reinforce the base of a dental crown. It’s used when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left to securely hold the crown. While a post is not the same as a dental implant, it provides additional support to ensure the crown stays in place.
Getting a crown is typically similar to getting a filling. We take care to numb the area thoroughly with local anesthesia, and additional freezing is used if necessary to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some mild sensitivity or soreness around the treated tooth, but this usually subsides within a short period. If you’re feeling anxious, let us know! We’re happy to help make your experience as comfortable as possible.
With proper care, dental crowns can last up to 15 years. However, if well-maintained, they can last even longer—up to 25-30 years.
Taking care of a dental crown is similar to caring for a natural tooth. Regular brushing and flossing will keep both your crown and the surrounding gums healthy. It’s also essential to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure your crown and overall oral health remain in great shape.
Tooth-coloured fillings fill cavities to stop them from getting bigger or permanently damaging your tooth. These white fillings are matched to your natural teeth so they look and feel great.
Restore chips and cracked teeth or improve the look of healthy teeth.
Restore gaps and replace your tooth or teeth with a custom made dental prosthesis permanently bonded in place.
Having a tooth or teeth removed is a very common procedure that can be performed with very little pain or discomfort.
An Implant acts like a natural tooth root and is finished off with a restoration such as a dental crown to help restore the function of your teeth, look good and feel natural.
Get new dentures or maintain and repair your full or partial dentures. These modern dental prostheses can replace several or all of your teeth with minimal discomfort.
Root canals can be careful, quick, and relatively pain-free bringing you immediate relief and saving your natural tooth.
Regular checkups and cleanings prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Plan your cleaning and checkup every 6 to 8 months to prevent the sudden onset of dental pain and unexpected expenses.