Dental Crowns

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown — sometimes called a cap — is a tooth-shaped restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. Crowns restore strength, function, and appearance to teeth that are too damaged for a simple filling but still have enough healthy structure to support a crown.

The dentists at Lakeview Family Dentistry have placed thousands of crowns over our combined decades of practice. We use modern materials and techniques to deliver crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and last for many years with proper care.

When you need a crown

Several situations call for a dental crown:

• After a large filling, when the remaining tooth structure isn't strong enough to support a filling alone
• To protect a tooth that's cracked, fractured, or weakened by grinding or trauma
• After a root canal treatment, because the tooth becomes brittle and prone to fracture
• To support a dental bridge, where crowns on neighboring teeth anchor a replacement tooth
• To cover a dental implant, where the crown serves as the visible replacement tooth
• For cosmetic improvement when a tooth is severely discolored, misshapen, or aesthetically problematic

Materials we offer

What to expect

A traditional dental crown requires two visits, approximately two to four weeks apart.

First visit: We numb the tooth and surrounding area, then reshape it to make room for the crown. We take impressions of your tooth — either with traditional dental putty or with our digital scanner — and place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth.

Between visits: The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians craft your custom crown. This usually takes two to four weeks.

Second visit: We remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color of your permanent crown, and cement it permanently in place. We make sure your bite is comfortable and the appearance matches your other teeth.

Caring for your crown

A crowned tooth is cared for like any natural tooth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily (including around the crown), and visit Lakeview Family Dentistry every six months for cleanings and exams.

Avoid biting hard objects like ice or pen caps. If you grind your teeth at night, wear a night guard to protect both your crowns and your natural teeth. With proper care, a quality dental crown can last 10 to 30 years.

Cost and insurance

Most PPO dental insurance plans cover dental crowns, typically paying a percentage of the cost after deductibles. We accept most dental insurance plans and will help you understand your benefits before treatment begins. For patients without insurance or with out-of-pocket costs, we accept CareCredit financing.