If you’ve been told you might need a crown, you probably have a lot of questions. You’re not alone. Dental crowns are one of the most common restorative treatments out there, and yet, most people aren’t quite sure what the process actually involves, how long crowns last, or how much they cost. Let’s walk through those questions together.

What happens when you get a crown?

The process of getting a dental crown is much simpler than many people expect. It typically takes two appointments, one to prepare your tooth and take impressions, and the second to fit and cement your permanent crown. Every step is designed to be smooth, comfortable, and tailored to your individual needs.

First Visit: Exam, Preparation, and Temporary Crown

Here’s what usually happens during your first visit:

• Evaluation: We begin by examining the tooth and surrounding area to determine if a crown is the best solution. If there’s any decay, damage, or infection, we’ll take care of that first. In some cases, you may need a filling or a root canal before moving forward with a crown.
• Tooth shaping: Once the tooth is ready, we gently shape it by removing a small amount of enamel. This step creates the ideal surface for your crown to fit snugly and function properly. We numb the area with local anesthesia beforehand, so you’ll be comfortable the entire time.
• Impressions or digital scan: After shaping, we’ll take an impression of your prepared tooth. This is either done with a physical mold or a digital scanner. The impression is sent to a dental lab where your crown is custom-made to match your bite and natural tooth color.
• Temporary crown placement: Before you leave, we’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent one is being crafted. It won’t be as strong as the final version, but it will allow you to eat and speak normally until your next appointment.

What to expect after the first visit:

• Mild sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods, is normal
• Avoid sticky or hard foods while wearing the temporary crown
• Chew on the opposite side of your mouth if possible
• If the temporary crown comes loose, give us a call, we can quickly fix it

Second Visit: Fitting the Permanent Crown: Once your permanent crown is ready, usually in about two weeks, you’ll return for the final fitting.

• Temporary crown removal: We’ll gently take off the temporary crown and clean the tooth underneath.
• Fit check: We try on your new crown and check that it fits well, looks natural, and aligns properly with your bite. If anything feels off or uneven, we make adjustments right away.
• Cementing the crown: Once everything looks and feels right, we use a strong dental cement to bond the crown in place. You’ll bite down a few times to help it settle properly.
• Final polish and check: After the crown is placed, we make sure the margins are sealed, the surface is smooth, and you’re happy with how it feels and looks.

What to expect after the second visit:

• It may take a day or two to fully adjust to the new crown
• Slight soreness or sensitivity is normal but should fade quickly
• Avoid very hard or chewy foods for the first 24 hours
• If the crown feels high or uncomfortable after a few days, let us know, we’re happy to adjust it

A dental crown may sound like a big step, but in reality, it’s a routine treatment that restores strength, function, and appearance, all in just a couple of visits. If you have any concerns during the process, we’re always here to walk you through it.

How long do dental crowns last?

This is a big question, and an important one. After all, if you’re investing in a crown, you want to know it’s going to last.

Most dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years, but with excellent care, they can last even longer, sometimes 20 years or more. The exact lifespan of your crown depends on a few factors, including the material used, where it’s located in your mouth, and how well you care for your teeth.

Porcelain or ceramic crowns are commonly used for front teeth and offer a very natural look, but they may wear down a bit faster than metal or zirconia crowns, especially if you grind your teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine durability and aesthetics and are often used for molars. Gold or full-metal crowns (still a great option for back teeth) are extremely long-lasting, though less common today for cosmetic reasons.

To get the most out of your crown, good oral hygiene is key. That means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleanings. Avoid biting on hard objects (like ice or pens), and don’t use your teeth to open packages, crowns are strong, but not indestructible.

If your crown starts to feel loose, cracked, or you notice pain or swelling around it, it might be time to have it evaluated. Sometimes a simple adjustment is all that’s needed, but if the crown is worn or the tooth underneath is compromised, replacement might be necessary.

How much is a dental crown?

Let’s talk cost, because we know that’s one of the first things people want to know before moving forward.

The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on several factors: the material used, the tooth’s location, whether additional procedures are needed (like a root canal), and what your dental insurance covers. On average, in the U.S., you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per crown. Gold or high-end ceramic crowns may cost more.

At Hillside Dental Care, we aim to be transparent about pricing. Before starting any treatment, we’ll walk you through the total cost, help you understand your insurance coverage, and discuss payment options. If your insurance includes crown coverage, it often pays for about 50% of the cost once your deductible is met, but this can vary.

It’s also worth noting that dental crowns aren’t just a cosmetic expense. In most cases, they’re medically necessary, used to restore a tooth that’s broken, decayed, or vulnerable after a procedure like a root canal. Because of that, they’re often covered more generously by insurance than purely cosmetic treatments.

If you’re not using insurance, we also offer flexible payment plans and financing options to make care more affordable. Our goal is to make sure cost never becomes a reason to delay important dental work.

Need a crown? We’ve got you covered.

If you’re still unsure about whether a crown is the right option for you, or you want to talk through next steps, we’re happy to help. At Hillside Dental Care, we make the process simple and supportive from start to finish.

Schedule an appointment with us today and we’ll answer all your questions, examine your tooth, and work with you on a plan that makes sense for your health and your budget.