A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, weak, or broken tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used when a filling is no longer enough — after deep decay, a fracture, or a root canal. This guide explains the types of dental crowns, the materials, the dental crown procedure, how long crowns last, and what a dental crown costs.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that fits over the entire visible part of a tooth above the gumline. Once cemented in place, it becomes the new outer surface of the tooth, restoring the chewing surface and protecting what remains underneath. A crown can sit on a natural tooth, on top of a dental implant (an implant crown), or as the anchor of a dental bridge.
When do you need a dental crown?
A crown is recommended when too much tooth is lost for a filling but the root can still be saved. Common reasons you may need a crown include a large cavity or failed filling, a cracked or broken tooth, a weak tooth after a root canal, severe wear from grinding, or to improve the look of a discolored tooth. Your dentist confirms whether enough healthy tooth remains to support a crown.
Types of dental crowns
Crowns differ mainly in the material, and crowns can be made from several different materials.
Porcelain and all-ceramic crowns
All-ceramic or porcelain crowns are metal-free and the most natural-looking — the top choice for front teeth. Modern zirconia crowns add extra strength while staying tooth-colored.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns
A metal core with a porcelain overlay combines strength and a natural look — a long-proven option that works well on back teeth.
Metal and gold crowns
All-metal crowns (including gold alloys) are extremely durable and gentle on opposing teeth, but their color makes them best for out-of-sight molars.
Temporary vs. permanent crowns
A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while your permanent crown is made in a lab, usually over one to two weeks.
The dental crown procedure
The dental crown procedure usually takes two visits. First, the dentist numbs the tooth, removes decay, and shapes it so the crown will fit; an impression is taken and a temporary crown is placed. At the second visit, the temporary is removed and the custom permanent crown is checked for fit and bite, then cemented into place. Some practices offer same-day crowns milled in-office.
Dental crown vs. other options
A crown covers the whole tooth, unlike a veneer, which covers only the front surface for cosmetic cases, or an inlay/onlay, which restores part of the tooth. When a tooth is missing entirely, a crown becomes part of a dental bridge or an implant crown rather than a stand-alone restoration.
How much does a dental crown cost?
Cost depends on the material, your location, and your dental insurance. Porcelain and zirconia crowns typically cost more than metal crowns, and lab work and any core build-up add to the total. In the US, a single crown often falls in the four-figure range, so a price around $2,000 is not unusual for a premium crown — check your insurance and ask your dentist for a written estimate.
How long do dental crowns last?
With good care, crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Brush twice a day, floss around the crown daily so the margin stays free of decay, and keep regular checkups; avoid using your teeth as tools, and wear a night guard if you grind. Healthy gum tissue and a cavity-free margin are what make a crown last.
Frequently asked questions about dental crowns
How long do dental crowns last?
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, most dental crowns last 10 to 15 years, and many last longer. Their lifespan depends on keeping the crown's margin free of decay and the gums healthy, plus avoiding habits like grinding or chewing very hard objects.
Is $2,000 a lot for a dental crown?
In the US, a single crown commonly falls in the four-figure range, so around $2,000 is within the normal range for a high-quality porcelain or zirconia crown, especially if a core build-up is needed. Metal crowns can cost less, and dental insurance often covers part of the fee — ask for a written estimate.
Is it painful getting a crown?
Getting a crown is generally not painful because the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia while it is prepared. Mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days afterward is normal and usually settles on its own.
How much does a crown cost for a tooth?
It varies with the material and your region: metal crowns are usually the least expensive, while porcelain and zirconia crowns cost more, and implant crowns cost the most. Check your dental insurance and get a written treatment plan for an accurate figure.
Certified implantologists from our network
Every practice in our network is admitted only after meeting the quality criteria of Leading Implant Centers.
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Dr. Maurice Salama
Goldstein, Garber & Salama LLC / Team Atlanta Esthetic & Implant Dental Center
Atlanta, United States
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Prof. Dr. M.Sc. Gerd Volland
Practice Prof. Volland & Colleagues
Heilsbronn, Germany
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Dr. Peter Bongard
Zahn+Zentrum Moers GmbH
Moers-Schwafheim, Germany
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Our Scientific & Advisory Board developed these admission criteria and takes part in reviewing new member practices. Quality criteria · Scientific & Advisory Board
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Methods and material
Read more: Post Crown or Implant: Treatment, Post Crown, Core Build-up, and Costs – The Difference Between a Post Crown and an Implant
Post Crown or Implant: Treatment, Post Crown, Core Build-up, and Costs – The Difference Between a Post Crown and an Implant
When a tooth is severely damaged by decay or an accident, the question of the appropriate tooth replacement often arises. In modern dentistry, patients have various options to restore the function and aesthetics of their teeth. The choice often falls between a classic post crown (often referred to as a post and core) and a modern dental implant. While the post crown utilizes the natural tooth root, the dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root that is firmly anchored in the jaw. Both methods have their specific areas of application and advantages, depending on the condition of the remaining tooth structure and the desired outcome of the treatment. In this overview, you will learn that a post crown is often used when the natural tooth root is still intact. In this case, the dentist uses a post to firmly anchor a crown. In contrast, an implant is inserted directly into the jawbone when the entire tooth, including the root, is missing. The decision as to whether a post crown or an implant is the right choice depends on a thorough examination by the dentist, where the costs for a post crown compared to the higher costs of an implant also play a role.