Restorative Dentistry · Full-Coverage Restoration
Custom porcelain crowns protect cracked, broken, and weakened teeth, restoring full strength, natural appearance, and decades more function.
When a crown is the answer
A crown encircles the entire tooth, preventing a crack from propagating further and allowing full biting force to be restored.
When a cavity has compromised too much tooth structure for a filling to provide adequate support, a crown rebuilds the tooth completely.
Root-canal-treated teeth lose moisture over time and become brittle. A crown protects them from the fracture that would otherwise shorten their lifespan significantly.
Bruxism or acid erosion can flatten teeth to the point where only a crown restores adequate height and function.
When a filling occupies more than 50% of the tooth structure, a crown is the more durable and appropriate restoration.
The visible part of a dental implant is a porcelain crown, custom-matched to the surrounding teeth in shade, shape, and size.
Crown materials
We'll recommend the material that best balances aesthetics, strength, and longevity for your specific tooth and bite.
Advantages
Most aesthetically natural; metal-free; excellent for front teeth
Limitations
Slightly less strength than metal-fused options for heavy grinders
Best for: Front teeth; aesthetic priority cases
Advantages
Strength of metal core with porcelain appearance; proven long track record
Limitations
Grey metal line may become visible at gumline over time
Best for: Back teeth; patients with heavy bites
Advantages
Extremely strong; tooth-colored; biocompatible; no metal
Limitations
Opaque compared to natural enamel — less ideal for highly visible front teeth
Best for: Back molars; bridge abutments; patients who grind
Step by step
The tooth is shaped to create space for the crown to fit over it. We take precise digital impressions and place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is fabricated — typically 2 weeks.
We match the crown's shade, translucency, and surface texture to your adjacent teeth so the restoration is indistinguishable from natural enamel.
Your impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where a skilled ceramist crafts your crown. This step cannot be rushed — quality matters more than speed.
At your second appointment, the temporary is removed, the permanent crown is tried in for fit and aesthetics, adjusted as needed, and cemented in place. You leave with a fully functional, beautiful restoration.
Common questions
With proper care, porcelain crowns typically last 10–20 years. Zirconia crowns can last even longer. The key factors are oral hygiene, whether you grind your teeth, and the regular monitoring we do at your recall visits.
The preparation is performed under local anesthesia — you'll feel pressure but not pain. Some sensitivity around the prepared tooth is normal for a few weeks; it resolves as the gum tissue settles around the margin.
Crowns are cemented firmly, but they can loosen if the underlying tooth changes shape (from decay) or if the cement bond breaks. If your crown feels loose, call us immediately — a loose crown allows bacteria under the margin.
For back teeth (molars, premolars) that bear heavy biting force, yes — a crown is strongly recommended. Front teeth with minimal loss may be adequately restored with a filling or bonding, and we'll give you an honest assessment.
Exactly like your natural teeth — brushing twice daily and flossing once. Pay attention to the gumline where the crown meets the tooth, as plaque buildup in this area is the most common cause of crown failure.
Service area
Restore your tooth today
Call our Turkey Lake Road office. We'll evaluate your tooth honestly and recommend the most conservative restoration that will serve you well for decades.
