The process
What getting a crown is like
- Visit 1
Preparation
The tooth is shaped to receive its crown, and a careful impression captures its exact shape. You leave with a temporary crown in place.
- Visit 1 → 2
Crafting
Your porcelain crown is custom-crafted to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth.
- Visit 2
Placement
The crown is fitted, checked against your bite, adjusted until it feels like your own tooth, and bonded in place.
Crowns also work hand-in-hand with other care: they complete implant restorations, and healthy gums — the foundation we care most about — are what keep a crowned tooth solid for decades.
Good to know
Crown questions, answered
What is a dental crown?
A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth completely, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. Think of it as precision armor: the tooth underneath stays yours, and the crown takes the daily workload of biting and chewing.
When does a tooth need a crown instead of a filling?
Fillings work when most of the tooth is still sound. When a tooth is cracked, heavily worn, or has lost too much structure to hold a filling, a crown protects what remains by wrapping the whole tooth. Dr. Patel explains why one is the better choice for your specific tooth — with photos from the intraoral camera so you can see exactly what she sees.
How long do dental crowns last?
Typically 10 to 15 years, and often longer with good home care and regular checkups. The biggest factors are gum health around the crowned tooth, grinding habits (a night guard helps), and daily brushing and flossing along the crown's edge.
Does insurance cover crowns?
Most dental plans treat crowns as a 'major' service, covered at a plan-specific percentage after deductibles. Every plan differs, so we verify your benefits before any treatment. See our insurance page for how coverage mechanics work — walking through the numbers first is house policy.
Wondering how your plan handles crowns? How coverage works →
Welcoming new patients
Have a tooth that needs attention?
Reach us the way that's easiest for you.