What Is a Dental Crown? A Frisco Dentist Explains
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is like a protective “cap” that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage. If you’ve had a large cavity, cracked tooth, or root canal treatment, your dentist may recommend a crown to keep your tooth functional for years to come.
At Tribute Family Dentistry in Frisco, TX, we provide strong and natural-looking crowns that blend seamlessly with your smile. Patients often ask us questions like “how are new dental crowns made?” or “how much does a dental crown cost?” — so let’s walk through everything you need to know.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Crowns are one of the most common restorative treatments in dentistry. Your dentist might recommend one if:
- You have a tooth that is cracked or severely worn down
- A cavity is too large for a filling
- You’ve had a root canal treatment
- You want to improve the look of a discolored or misshapen tooth
- You’re replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant
How Are New Dental Crowns Made?
Modern crowns can be made in just one or two visits, depending on the technique used. Here’s the process:
- Tooth Preparation – The dentist removes decay and shapes the tooth so the crown fits snugly.
- Impressions/Scans – Traditionally, impressions were taken with putty. Now, many offices use digital scanners for precise 3D imaging.
- Temporary Crown – A short-term crown protects your tooth while the permanent one is being made.
- Crown Fabrication – Dental labs create your crown from ceramic, porcelain, zirconia, or metal alloys. Some offices even have same-day milling machines.
- Final Placement – The crown is cemented or bonded into place, restoring your tooth’s full function and natural appearance.
Types of Dental Crowns
Different materials offer different benefits:
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns – Natural-looking, great for front teeth.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) – Strong with added durability.
- Zirconia Crowns – Extremely strong, long-lasting, and natural-looking.
- Gold Crowns – Durable and gentle on opposing teeth (less common today).
Your Frisco dentist will recommend the best option based on your tooth location, bite, and budget.
How Much Is a Dental Crown?
One of the most common questions patients ask is “how much does a dental crown cost?”
On average in Frisco, TX:
- Porcelain/ceramic crown: $1,000 – $1,500
- Zirconia crown: $1,200 – $1,800
- Porcelain fused to metal crown: $900 – $1,400
- Gold alloy crown: $1,200 – $2,000
Insurance may cover part of the cost, especially if the crown is medically necessary (not purely cosmetic). At Tribute Family Dentistry, our team helps you maximize insurance benefits and explore flexible payment options.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Crowns are built to be durable. With good care, most last 10–15 years or longer. Zirconia and gold crowns can sometimes last 20+ years.
Their lifespan depends on:
- Daily oral hygiene
- Avoiding hard foods or chewing ice
- Regular dental checkups
- Treating teeth grinding with a night guard if necessary
Caring for Your Dental Crown
- Brush and floss daily (yes, you can floss around a crown).
- Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the tooth underneath.
- Avoid sticky candies that might pull at the crown.
- See your dentist every 6 months for cleanings and exams.
Dental Crowns vs Fillings or Veneers
- Crown vs Filling: Fillings repair small to moderate cavities; crowns restore heavily damaged teeth.
- Crown vs Veneer: Veneers improve appearance only, while crowns add strength and protection.
Frisco’s Trusted Team for Dental Crowns
At Tribute Family Dentistry, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care. Whether you need a crown after a root canal or want to replace an old restoration, our team can help restore your smile with natural-looking, durable results.
📍 Serving Frisco, Little Elm, The Colony, and Prosper, we’re here for your family’s dental needs.
FAQ: Dental Crowns
1. What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance when it’s too damaged for a filling.
2. How are dental crowns made?
Crowns are made using digital scans or impressions, designed in a lab (or same-day system), and cemented onto the prepared tooth.
3. How much does a dental crown cost?
Costs range from $900 to $1,800 depending on the material and whether insurance contributes.
4. How long do crowns last?
Most last 10–15 years with proper care, though zirconia and gold crowns may last over 20 years.
5. Is getting a dental crown painful?
With modern anesthesia, the process is generally comfortable. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal but temporary.
