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Restorative care

Dental crowns in Herriman

When a tooth is too broken or weak for a filling, a crown can cover it and let you chew with confidence again. We will explain why one is needed before you decide.

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What is a dental crown?

A crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that fits over your own tooth down to the gumline. It holds a damaged tooth together and takes the force of chewing. It is made to match the color and shape of the teeth around it.

  • Protects teeth that are cracked, worn or have large fillings
  • Often placed after a root canal
  • Most crowns take two visits

Who a crown can help

A crown is a way to save a tooth that is still rooted well but has lost a lot of its strength. Your dentist may suggest one if you have:

  • A tooth with a crack, or a large piece broken off
  • A large old filling that is failing and has little tooth left around it
  • A back tooth that had a root canal
  • A tooth worn down from grinding
  • A badly stained or misshapen tooth that other options cannot fix

Crowns also hold a bridge in place and can cap a dental implant. If the damage is small, a filling may be enough. Your dentist looks at the tooth and x-rays and tells you which choice keeps more of your natural tooth.

What to expect

  1. Exam and planning. Your dentist checks the tooth, takes x-rays and talks with you about crown materials.
  2. Shaping the tooth. After numbing, your dentist removes any decay and trims the outer layer so the crown can fit over it.
  3. Impression and temporary. Your dentist records the shape of the tooth and your bite. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final one is made.
  4. Placing the crown. At your next visit, your dentist checks the fit and color, then cements the crown in place and fine-tunes your bite.

Crown materials

Crowns can be made from porcelain or ceramic, zirconia, metal alloy or porcelain fused to metal. Tooth-colored materials look natural in the front of the mouth. Stronger materials may suit back teeth that do the heavy chewing. Your dentist will help you weigh look, strength and cost.

Caring for your crown

While you have a temporary crown, chew on the other side and skip sticky or hard foods. Slide floss out to the side instead of pulling it up. Once the final crown is in, care for it like your other teeth. Brush twice a day and floss once a day, with extra care at the gumline, since the tooth under the crown can still get a cavity. If you grind at night, a night guard can help protect your crown.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about dental crowns

How long do crowns last?
Many crowns last 10 to 15 years, and some last longer. Good brushing and flossing, regular checkups and not chewing ice or hard objects all help.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed while your dentist shapes it. Your gums and tooth may feel tender for a few days after each visit. Over-the-counter pain relief usually helps.
What if my temporary crown comes off?
Call us so we can put it back on. Keep the temporary and avoid chewing on that side until you are seen.
Will my crown look like my other teeth?
Tooth-colored crowns are matched to the shade of your nearby teeth. If you plan to whiten, do it before your crown is made, since a crown will not change color.
Does insurance cover crowns?
Many plans cover part of a crown when it is needed to repair a tooth. The cost depends on the material and your plan. We give you an estimate before you start.

Related care

You may also want to know about

Dental Bridges

Fill the gap from one or more missing teeth with a fixed, natural-looking replacement.

About dental bridges

Cracked Teeth

Find and repair cracks early, before they spread and put the whole tooth at risk.

About cracked teeth

Questions?

Call to book your visit

Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

Call (385) 481-6738Get directions