A tooth that is cracked, badly worn, or weakened by a large old filling can often be saved with a dental crown. At our Downers Grove and Aurora offices, crowns are one of the most common ways we restore teeth that a filling alone can no longer protect. Here is when a crown makes sense, what happens at each visit, and how to make yours last.
What is a dental crown?
A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape and strength, absorbs the pressure of biting and chewing, and shields the tooth structure underneath, which may be brittle from earlier fillings or procedures. A well-made crown looks and feels like a natural tooth.
When might you need a crown?
- A cracked or broken tooth. Unexplained pain when chewing on a filled back tooth is often caused by hairline cracks in the chewing surface. A crown holds the tooth together and usually relieves that pain.
- Large or failing fillings. When old fillings break down or there is not enough healthy tooth left to hold a new filling, a crown gives the tooth back its strength.
- After a root canal. Teeth that have had root canal treatment can become brittle. A crown helps prevent them from breaking.
- Worn or damaged teeth. Teeth worn down by grinding, wear and tear, or an accident can be rebuilt to their proper shape and bite.
- Appearance. Front teeth that are stained, chipped, or weakened by older fillings can be covered with porcelain, including cases where porcelain veneers are not suitable.
- Dental implants and bridges. A crown is the visible tooth placed on top of a dental implant, and a bridge is a series of connected crowns that fills the gap left by missing teeth.
Types of crowns
Not all crowns are made the same. Your dentist will recommend the right one for your tooth, your goals, and your budget. Common options include:
- All-porcelain (metal-free) crowns, which closely match natural teeth and will never show a dark line at the gum.
- Porcelain bonded to metal, which combines a natural-looking surface with a strong metal base, often used where extra strength is needed.
- Gold or other metal alloys, which are very durable and sometimes chosen for back teeth.
What to expect: two visits
Getting a crown usually takes at least two appointments.
- First visit: preparing the tooth. After the area is numbed, your dentist removes any decay and shapes the tooth so the crown can fit over it. Impressions are taken so the crown can be made to fit precisely and match your bite. You leave with a temporary crown that protects the tooth while the permanent one is being made.
- Second visit: placing the crown. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit, bite, and color, adjusted as needed, and cemented in place.
While you have a temporary crown, avoid sticky or very hard foods on that side and floss gently by sliding the floss out to the side rather than pulling it up. If the temporary comes loose, call the office so it can be put back.
How to make your crown last
A crown cannot get a cavity, but the tooth underneath it can, especially along the edge where the crown meets the gum. To protect it:
- Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying attention to the gumline around the crown.
- Keep up with regular checkups and professional cleanings so small problems are caught early.
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or non-food items.
- If you grind or clench your teeth, ask about a night guard.
With good home care and regular visits, a crown can serve you for many years. If a crown ever feels loose, cracks, or comes off, see our tips on what to do about a lost filling or crown and call us as soon as you can.
Does insurance cover crowns?
Many dental plans cover part of the cost of a crown when it is needed to restore a damaged tooth. We work with most insurance companies and will help you understand your coverage before treatment. See our insurance information and financing and payment options.
Schedule a visit
If you have a cracked, painful, or heavily filled tooth, an exam will show whether a crown is the right fix. Call our Downers Grove office at (630) 884-8174 or our Aurora office at (630) 884-8194, or request an appointment online. Learn more on our dental crowns page.