A crown, also known as a cap, is a tooth-shaped covering that is placed over a tooth that has been badly decayed or damaged. Crowns are generally used when the damage or decay is so extensive that filling materials cannot make the tooth strong enough. In addition, crowns can be used to hold a bridge in place and to cover discolored or misshaped teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are available in several types at our office:

Metal - this type of crown can be made of gold alloy, palladium, nickel alloy, or chromium alloy. Metal crowns are ideal for use on the back teeth that do not show.

All-porcelain – these crowns look like natural teeth and are ideal for use on the front teeth.

Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) - PFM crowns have a metal framework covered by porcelain and look like natural teeth.

The Dental Crown Procedure

After listening to the patient’s goals, Dr. Fred Arnold will recommend a treatment plan that may involve a crown.

Before the crown can be placed on the tooth, Dr. Arnold must re-contour the tooth to make room for the crown. Then an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth will be made. While the crown is being created in our in-house lab, a temporary acrylic crown will be placed on the tooth. When the permanent crowns are ready, the temporary crowns are replaced at a separate visit. The crown will last anywhere from seven to 40 years.

Cost of Dental Crowns

The cost of dental crowns depends on the type of crown used, the number of crowns placed in the mouth, and the area of the country in which the procedure is performed.