Dental crown guide

What a dental crown is and why you might need one

Cleveland Clinic describes a crown as a tooth-shaped cap that restores a decayed, broken, weak or worn tooth, and says dentists also use crowns on dental implants, root canal-treated teeth and to hold bridges in place. ADA MouthHealthy says a crown helps restore a tooth to its normal shape and size, and may be recommended to support a large filling when not enough tooth remains to hold it, anchor a bridge, protect a weak tooth from breaking or repair one that is already broken, cover a discolored or badly shaped tooth, or cover an implant.

Types and materials

Cleveland Clinic lists the main materials: metal, which is very durable but metallic in color so usually used for back molars; porcelain-fused-to-metal, which can chip; pressed ceramic; all-ceramic or porcelain, often zirconia, the most natural look and good for metal allergies; same-day crowns milled in the office from a ceramic block; and all-resin, the most fragile and often used for temporary crowns. Healthline also lists onlays or three-quarter crowns, which cover only part of the tooth. Which type suits you depends on the tooth, your bite and your dentist's advice.

The procedure

Cleveland Clinic says it usually takes two visits. At the first, the dentist removes some enamel, may build up the tooth, takes impressions for a lab and places a temporary crown, and lab work typically takes two to three weeks. At the second visit the temporary crown is removed and the dentist checks the new crown's shape, color and fit before bonding it with dental cement. Healthline says a same-day method takes about 2 to 4 hours in one visit. Ask which your dentist offers and whether you are a candidate.

Temporary crowns

Healthline says a temporary crown protects the tooth while the permanent crown is made, helps you chew and limits sensitivity, and keeps neighboring teeth from shifting. Expect to wear it about 2 to 3 weeks, sometimes longer. It is held with temporary cement, so avoid tough meats, hard or crusty bread, raw hard vegetables, corn on the cob, nuts, popcorn, ice, chewing gum, hard candy, caramel and very hot or cold foods, and slide floss out sideways rather than pulling it up so you do not dislodge the crown.

Does getting a crown hurt, and what is normal afterwards

Cleveland Clinic says the procedure should not be painful and you can ask for more anesthesia, and that afterwards some sensitivity to heat and cold is normal for a couple of weeks, with mild gum soreness that usually fades within a few days. Our guide on whether getting a crown hurts covers pain in more detail.

What to do if a crown falls off

Healthline says to find the crown, not to swallow it, and to call your dentist, who may be able to clean and refit it. If your dentist suggests it, you can clean the inside with toothpaste and hold it in place temporarily with dental cement from a pharmacy, as a stopgap only. Eat soft foods, avoid sticky, hard or chewy foods, chew on the other side and do not chew ice. Healthline's temporary crown page says not to leave the space empty because the tooth or gum underneath can be damaged or infected and your bite can shift. If a crown is only partly dislodged, call your dentist for guidance.

Aftercare and how long crowns last

Cleveland Clinic advises brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush, flossing daily, considering an antibacterial mouthwash, avoiding ice, extremely hard nuts, kernel popcorn and sticky candies, asking about a custom mouth guard if you grind or clench, and keeping up with regular cleanings and exams. It says the average lifespan is five to 15 years and crowns can last upwards of 30 years with proper care. Healthline says 5 to 15 years, with gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns tending to last longest and resin wearing faster.

Possible problems

Cleveland Clinic lists sensitivity, a loose crown, breaking or fracture over time, decay if the crown does not fit well and traps bacteria, and, rarely, allergic reaction. Healthline lists chipping, especially with all-porcelain crowns, looseness if there is not enough cement, and gum irritation or bleeding that may indicate gingivitis. A crowned tooth can still get decay at the edge, so keep brushing and flossing carefully around it.

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions