What Is a Dental Crown? Procedure, Types & Lifespan

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape and strength so you can chew comfortably, and it can improve how the tooth looks.

Key points

A crown is a cap that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth.
Common reasons include a large filling, a cracked tooth or a tooth after root canal treatment.
Treatment usually takes two visits: preparation and a temporary crown, then fitting the final crown.
With good care and regular check-ups, crowns can last many years.

When might you need a crown?

A tooth with a large filling and little natural tooth left.
A cracked or broken tooth that a filling cannot hold together.
A back tooth after root canal treatment, which can become brittle.
A badly worn or discoloured tooth.
To cover a dental implant or to anchor a bridge.

The dental crown procedure, step by step

Visit 1: preparing the tooth

After numbing the area, your dentist removes decay and shapes the tooth so the crown can fit over it. A scan or impression is taken and the shade is matched to your teeth. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final crown is made.

Visit 2: fitting the crown

The temporary is removed, the final crown is checked for fit, bite and colour, and then it is cemented in place. Your dentist checks that your teeth meet comfortably.

Types of crown

Ceramic or porcelain crowns look natural and suit front and back teeth.
Zirconia crowns are very strong and can suit back teeth or people who grind.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns combine strength with a tooth-coloured surface.
Gold or metal crowns are durable and need less tooth removal, but are visible.

Your dentist will recommend a material based on the tooth’s position, your bite and your preferences.

Caring for your crown

Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily, especially where the crown meets the gum.
Avoid chewing ice, pens or very hard foods.
Wear a night splint if you grind your teeth.
Keep up regular check-ups so we can check the edges of the crown.

Cost of a dental crown

Fees depend on the material, the tooth and whether other treatment, such as a root canal or build-up, is needed. Crowns usually fall under major dental cover with health funds. We give you an itemised quote before treatment. See our fees page for more.

Risks to know about

Like any treatment, crowns have risks. The tooth may be sensitive for a while, a crown can chip or come loose, and a tooth that has had a lot of decay may later need root canal treatment. Your dentist will discuss these with you.

Common questions