Understanding Dental Crowns and Their Importance
If you’ve been searching for a dental crown near me or wondering whether a crown is the right solution for your smile, you’re not alone. Dental crowns are one of the most common forms of tooth restoration, providing protection and strength when a natural tooth has been damaged or weakened.
At Maureen L. O’Flanagan, D.D.S., P.A., we specialize in creating custom crowns that not only restore function but also look and feel like your own teeth.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the signs you may need a crown, what happens during the dental crown procedure, the different crown materials available, and what you can expect for healing and long-term results.
Signs You May Need a Dental Crown
A dental crown may be recommended by your dental professional if your natural tooth is too weak or damaged to be restored with a filling alone. Common situations include:
Severe Tooth Decay
When a cavity is too large for a filling, a new crown helps protect the affected tooth and restore full function.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A dental crown covers and strengthens the structure, protecting a cracked or chipped tooth from further damage and supporting long-term oral health.
Root Canal Treatment
After a root canal, the tooth can become fragile, making crown placement or even a permanent dental crown the best option for durability.
Discolored or Misshapen Tooth
Crowns are often recommended for cosmetic reasons, especially for discolored visible front and back teeth that affect your confidence when you smile.
Dental implant or dental bridge restoration
A dental crown is the final step in placing a dental implant or securing a dental bridge, restoring your smile after tooth loss.
If you’re noticing pain, sensitivity, or visible damage, scheduling a consultation with a trusted tooth restoration dentist can help you determine whether a crown is the right choice.
The Dental Crown Procedure Step by Step
The dental crown procedure is designed to protect your natural tooth while giving you a comfortable and functional result. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Evaluation
Your dentist will examine the affected tooth, surrounding bone, and overall oral health. If needed, X-rays or scans will help determine whether a dental crown or another option is best.
Tooth Preparation
The natural tooth is reshaped to make space for the custom crown. If significant damage exists, the tooth may be built up before preparation.
Temporary Crown Placement
A temporary crown is placed using dental cement to protect your tooth while your permanent restoration is created.
Dental Lab Work
Impressions of your teeth are sent to a dental lab, where technicians craft your custom crown using your chosen crown material.
Final Crown Placement
Once the crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown, check the fit, and bond the permanent crown securely.
From start to finish, the dental crown process usually takes two visits—one for preparation and one for the final crown placement.
Types of Crowns: Which Is Right for You?
Crowns aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different crown materials are available depending on where the tooth is located and your personal goals.
Porcelain crowns
Popular for visible teeth because they blend naturally with your smile.
Porcelain fused to metal
Strong and aesthetic, though they may show a dark line near the gum line over time.
Metal crowns
Very durable and ideal for out-of-sight molars since metal crowns rarely chip.
Zirconia crowns
A modern option that combines strength with excellent aesthetics.
Your dentist will discuss which option best balances durability, appearance, and cost for your situation.
Healing and Lifespan of a Dental Crown
After the temporary crown placement, you may notice mild sensitivity around the gum line or while chewing. This is normal and should improve once your permanent crown is cemented.
A permanent crown can last 10–15 years or longer with proper care. The lifespan depends on factors like oral hygiene habits, your bite, and whether you grind your teeth. Regular checkups allow your dentist to monitor your crowned tooth and detect early problems, like a loose crown or gum disease around the area.
To extend the life of your crown:
What to Expect from the Results
Crowns are designed to restore strength and function while blending seamlessly with your smile. Once the final crown is in place, you’ll be able to bite and chew normally, without discomfort. For many patients, crowns provide peace of mind that their tooth is safe from further damage.
Compared to outdated treatments, today’s crowns are custom-crafted to feel natural, protect the entire tooth, and handle biting and chewing forces with ease. With a focus on biocompatible materials, your restoration will support both your oral health and your confidence.
Booking a Crown Consultation
If you’re searching for a dental crown near me, a porcelain bridge near me, or a tooth restoration dentist, you don’t have to look far. At Maureen L. O’Flanagan, D.D.S., P.A., we provide crowns, bridges, and other restorative treatments under one roof.
Whether you’re dealing with a weak tooth, a broken tooth, or tooth decay, we’ll guide you through the crown procedure step by step. Our goal is to provide a custom crown that feels comfortable, supports your oral health, and restores your smile.
Together, we’ll design a treatment plan that meets your needs and helps you achieve a stronger, healthier smile for years to come. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may need a dental crown if you have a cracked tooth, a weak tooth from decay, a broken tooth, or after a root canal. Crowns are also recommended for restoring a discolored or misshapen tooth or completing a dental implant.
The dental crown procedure usually takes two visits. During the first, your dentist reshapes the affected tooth, takes impressions, and places a temporary crown. Once the final crown is ready from the dental lab, you’ll return for crown placement, where it is secured with dental cement.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal crowns, or porcelain fused to metal. Each crown material has pros and cons, ceramic looks most natural, while metal crowns rarely chip and are very durable for out-of-sight molars.
With proper oral health habits and regular checkups, a permanent crown can last 10–15 years or longer. The lifespan depends on factors like the crown material, your bite, and how well you care for your teeth and gums.
It’s common to experience some sensitivity after temporary crown placement and again when the final crown is seated. This usually subsides quickly. You can eat normally once your crown is secure, but maintaining good oral hygiene helps protect both the crowned tooth and surrounding bone for long-term success.
