What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It protects the tooth from further damage while restoring its appearance, shape, and strength. Crowns are ideal for teeth with large fillings, fractures, or after root canal therapy.

Primary benefits of dental crowns:

  • Fully restores chewing ability
  • Strengthens compromised teeth
  • Improves appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth

Common crown materials:

Porcelain/Ceramic
Porcelain fused to metal
Zirconia
Gold alloy
Dental crown materials and examples
Various dental crown materials available at Cosmo Smiles Dental

When Do I Need a Dental Crown?

You may need a dental crown if you have:
✔ Large fillings
✔ Cracked or fractured teeth
✔ Severe decay or enamel loss
✔ A weakened tooth after root canal treatment
✔ A dental implant restoration

Early evaluation helps prevent further damage and more costly treatments later.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Crowns do more than restore teeth — they help protect your oral health and boost confidence.

Top benefits include:
✨ Long-lasting protection
✨ Natural-looking smile
✨ Strengthened chewing function
✨ Support for weak or broken teeth

Unlike veneers or fillings, crowns encapsulate the entire tooth — providing full coverage and durability.

Capabilities of Dental Crowns

Modern dental crowns not only restore strength but also offer exceptional esthetics. They can:

  • Blend with existing teeth color
  • Correct minor alignment issues
  • Restore worn teeth
  • Replace missing teeth with bridges

Dental Crown Placement Process

Understanding what to expect can make your visit easier.

The Dental Crown Placement Procedure

Step 1: Preparing Your Tooth
We gently remove decay and shape the tooth to create room for the crown.

Step 2: Creating the Dental Mold
An impression or digital scan is taken to design your custom crown.

Step 3: Placing Your Dental Crown
A temporary crown may be placed while your permanent one is crafted.

Step 4: Final Fitting & Adjustments
once ready, we bond your custom crown and check your bite for comfort and function.

Dental crown placement procedure
Precision crown placement at our Arlington dental office

Fitting Your Dental Crown

Proper fit is crucial for comfort and preventing future issues. We ensure the crown aligns with your bite and feels natural.

Does Getting a Crown Hurt?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia ensures you're comfortable, and many describe the sensation as similar to getting a filling.

Longevity & Care

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper care, dental crowns can last 10–15 years or longer. Factors that affect longevity include material type, oral hygiene, and bite pressure.

Post-Op Care for Crowns and Bridges

  • Brush twice a day
  • Floss daily
  • Avoid chewing hard objects
  • Visit your dentist regularly

Good oral habits extend the life of your restoration.