Millions of Americans rely on dental crowns to restore broken, worn, or missing teeth. In fact, over 15 million Americans receive crowns and bridges each year. If you live in Arlington, MA, understanding dental crowns is key to improving your smile and oral health. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dental crowns in Arlington, MA – from when a crown is needed and the different types of crowns, to the step-by-step procedure, costs, benefits, and aftercare. We’ll even answer common questions in dedicated sections to help you make informed decisions.
A dental crown (often called a “cap”) is a custom-made covering that fits over the visible part of a damaged or decayed tooth. It completely encases the tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. In simple terms, a crown turns a compromised tooth into something that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. For example, a crown can hold a cracked tooth together, protect a weak tooth from breaking, and conceal discoloration.
Dentists use crowns in many situations, such as:
Protecting and strengthening: A crown covers and supports a weak tooth (for example, one with a large filling or cracks), preventing further damage.
Restoring broken teeth: It rebuilds broken, fractured, or severely worn teeth so you can chew and bite normally again.
Supporting dental bridges: Crowns anchor dental bridges in place when replacing a missing tooth.
Covering implants: A crown can be placed over a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
Cosmetic improvements: Crowns conceal severe discoloration or improve a tooth’s shape and appearance.
After root canal treatment: Teeth that have had root canals are brittle; a crown protects them from fracturing.
In summary, dental crowns are a versatile, “last resort” solution in dentistry. They are commonly recommended when nothing else will restore your tooth.
Your Arlington dentist may suggest a crown for one or more of the reasons above. Here are common scenarios where crowns are needed:
Extensive decay or damage: If decay or injury has removed too much tooth structure for a filling to suffice, a crown can restore the tooth’s integrity.
Cracked or weakened teeth: Teeth with large cracks or multiple cracks often require the support of a crown to prevent splitting.
Large fillings: When a previous filling is so large that little natural tooth remains, a crown covers and supports the remaining tooth.
Dental bridge anchor: If you need a bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap are shaped for crowns to hold the bridge in place.
Discolored or misshapen teeth: For cosmetic concerns like severely stained or oddly shaped teeth, crowns can provide a uniform, natural-looking appearance.
Covering implants: After a dental implant is placed (surgically inserted into the jawbone), a crown is the final piece that replaces the visible tooth.
Cosmetic enhancements: Sometimes crowns are chosen purely for aesthetic smile makeovers, though insurance may not cover crowns done only for cosmetic reasons.
Overall, crowns are needed whenever a tooth is too damaged for a filling but can still be saved, or when restoring missing teeth. Your dentist in Arlington will evaluate your tooth and recommend a crown if it best serves your oral health and function.
Dental crowns come in different materials and styles. Your dentist will choose the type based on factors like location of the tooth, esthetic needs, cost, and durability. The main types include:
Porcelain (Ceramic) Crowns: Made entirely of ceramic or porcelain, these are metal-free and can be color-matched to your other teeth. Porcelain crowns are highly esthetic and ideal for front teeth. They blend in seamlessly with natural teeth. Zirconia crowns (a type of ceramic) are also popular for their strength and natural look. In-office digital technology can even fabricate an all-ceramic crown in one visit (see CEREC below).
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns have a metal interior for strength and a porcelain exterior for aesthetics. PFM crowns look nearly identical to natural teeth and are a workhorse for both front and back teeth. However, some people notice a thin dark line at the gum edge if gums recede over time.
Metal Crowns: Gold alloy (or other metal alloys) crowns are extremely durable and wear-resistant. They rarely chip and withstand chewing forces exceptionally well. The downside is the metallic color, so they are usually used for out-of-sight molars. Notably, a 2015 review found that gold crowns have a 95% survival rate at 10 years, making them the “gold standard” for longevity.
Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a high-strength ceramic that resists chipping. It’s often used for back teeth or frameworks. Modern zirconia can also be layered with porcelain for improved esthetics.
Temporary Stainless Steel Crowns: These pre-made crowns (often stainless steel) are used as temporary coverings while the permanent crown is made. Sometimes pediatric crowns for baby teeth are also stainless steel.
Each type has pros and cons. For example, metal crowns (especially gold) last longest, while all-porcelain crowns offer the best cosmetic match. Your Arlington dentist will discuss the best option for your tooth and budget.
Advancements in dental technology have introduced same-day crowns using CAD/CAM systems like CEREC. With CEREC, the dentist takes a digital scan of your prepared tooth and mills the crown right in the office. The process works like this:
Scan: After prepping your tooth, the dentist scans it with a digital wand (no messy impression).
Design & Mill: The scan is used to design the crown on-screen. A milling machine then carves the crown from a block of ceramic in about 15–20 minutes.
Place: The new crown is polished and cemented – all in one visit.
As Dr. Robert Page from Arlington notes, CEREC “provides beautiful, high-quality dental crowns in a matter of minutes, greatly reducing your total treatment time and eliminating the need for you to make multiple visits”. In other words, no temporary crown, no wait – you walk out with your permanent crown the same day.
CEREC crowns are a type of all-ceramic crown made with advanced technology. They are especially convenient for busy Arlington residents. Note that not all cases qualify for same-day crowns, but many practitioners in Arlington offer this option for eligible teeth.
Getting a crown typically involves two dental visits (unless you opt for same-day CEREC, which can be done in one visit). Here’s what you can expect at a general Arlington dental office:
Initial Exam and Preparation: Your dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding area. Any decay is removed, and the tooth is reshaped (filed down) to make space for the crown. If the tooth is severely broken, the dentist may build up the core with filling material so the crown has enough support.
Impression (Molding): An impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth and nearby teeth is taken. This captures the exact size and shape needed for the new crown.
Temporary Crown Placement: While the permanent crown is being made, you’ll wear a temporary crown. This could be acrylic or stainless steel, cemented in place. It protects your tooth between appointments.
Crown Fabrication: The impression is sent to a dental lab (or the CEREC machine) to craft the permanent crown. This can take 1–2 weeks if done at a lab.
Second Appointment – Fitting: At your next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and tries in the permanent one. They check the fit, shape, and color match. The bite is adjusted so you chew comfortably.
Cementing the Crown: Once everything looks and feels right, the crown is cemented onto the tooth with dental cement. The dentist will polish it and check your bite one more time.
If you choose a same-day CEREC crown, steps 2–5 happen in a single appointment using computer-aided design and a milling unit.
Patients often find the procedure painless thanks to local anesthesia. Some sensitivity or tenderness is normal for a few days after, especially if the tooth was very decayed. Arlington dentists use anesthesia and techniques to minimize discomfort.
The cost of a dental crown can vary based on material, the dentist’s experience, lab fees, and insurance coverage. In Massachusetts, typical crown prices range from about $800 to $3,000 per tooth. Porcelain or zirconia crowns are usually on the higher end, while metal crowns (gold or other alloys) can sometimes be cheaper per piece but are still expensive.
Factors affecting cost include:
Crown material: Porcelain and ceramic crowns cost more than metal, but metal costs more than a basic stainless crown.
Lab fees: The quality of the dental lab and custom shading adds to the price.
Dentist’s expertise: Specialist dentists (e.g., prosthodontists) may charge more than a general dentist.
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown expenses, since crowns are considered a major dental procedure. Typically, a plan covers about 50% of a crown’s cost, after the deductible. For example, if your plan has a 50% coverage for crowns, you would pay roughly half the bill out-of-pocket. Keep in mind:
Insurance usually requires a waiting period (months) before covering new crowns.
Cosmetic crowns (purely for looks) are often not covered.
Insurance has yearly maximums, so timing other procedures may affect coverage.
In Arlington, dental offices often offer financing plans or payment options to help manage the cost. It’s a good idea to verify your coverage with your insurer and ask the dental office for an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost before treatment.
Dental crowns offer many advantages for people in Arlington, MA who need tooth restoration:
Restores Function: A properly fitted crown lets you bite and chew normally again. It essentially gives your tooth new strength to handle daily use.
Improves Appearance: Crowns can be made to match your natural tooth color, size, and shape. Modern ceramics are translucent like real enamel, so crowns blend in seamlessly. This is great for visible front teeth.
Protects the Tooth: By covering the entire tooth, crowns shield damaged or weakened teeth from bacteria and further decay. Think of a crown as a helmet for your tooth.
Long-lasting Solution: With good care, crowns can last a decade or more. (We’ll discuss longevity next.)
Versatility: Crowns work for many dental issues – broken teeth, large fillings, bridges, implants, and more. They can improve the appearance of even badly discolored or misshapen teeth.
These benefits make crowns one of the most reliable and common treatments in restorative dentistry. For Arlington patients who want a sturdy and natural-looking fix, crowns often provide the best balance of strength and cosmetics. For more information on dental crowns and other restorative procedures, visit the American Dental Association’s website, a trusted source for comprehensive dental care information.
A frequent question is how long a crown can be expected to last. On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years, but many can last longer with proper care. Longevity depends on factors such as the type of material, oral hygiene, grinding habits, and bite force.
Material Matters: Gold and metal crowns are extremely durable – a review reported a 95% survival rate at 10 years for gold crowns. One dental study found that gold crowns had about a 96% success rate at 10 years. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns saw about a 90% 10-year survival in the same study. All-ceramic crowns (porcelain or zirconia) had around 75–80% survival at 10 years.
Wear and Tear: Crowns do not decay, but the tooth underneath can. Brushing and flossing remain critical, as decay at the margin can cause crown failure.
Bruxism: If you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), crowns may wear or fracture faster. A nightguard can protect crowned teeth from grinding damage.
Location: Back teeth take more force, so molar crowns might wear faster than front ones, all else equal.
In practice, many crowns last well over 10 years. Some patients even report their crowns functioning 20–30 years! Regular dental check-ups ensure any issues (like a loose crown or decay at the margin) are spotted early. If your crown does chip, crack, or fall out, see your dentist promptly. They can often replace or re-cement it.
Taking care of your crown is key to making it last. Here are best practices recommended by dental professionals:
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush at least twice daily and floss daily, paying special attention around the crown’s edge (gum line). Good hygiene prevents decay on the tooth underlying the crown, which is often the main failure mode.
Be Gentle: Avoid chewing very hard foods (like ice, hard candy, or non-food items) on crowns, as they can crack the material. If you have a habit of biting pen caps, fingernails, etc., try to stop.
Night Guard if Needed: If you grind your teeth at night, wear a prescribed night guard. Grinding puts heavy pressure on crowns and can cause fractures.
Watch for Changes: It’s normal to have some sensitivity for a couple of weeks after the crown is placed. However, if the crown feels high, or you have increasing pain, call your dentist. Sometimes the bite needs adjustment or a root canal is needed. If a crown comes off, keep it and see your dentist asap.
Regular Check-ups: Visit your Arlington dentist for exams and cleanings. They will monitor the health of crowned teeth and can make small repairs (like polishing rough spots) if needed.
By following these tips, you can maximize the life of your crown. As one Arlington practice notes, “the most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown is to practice good oral hygiene”. Clean crowns as you would natural teeth, and they will serve you well for years.
Q: What is a dental crown?
A: A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers the entire visible part of a damaged or decayed tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or other materials and are cemented in place to protect and rebuild the tooth.
Q: How long does it take to get a dental crown?
A: Traditionally, getting a crown takes two visits. In the first visit, your tooth is prepared (numbing, decay removal, reshaping) and an impression or digital scan is taken. A temporary crown is placed while the lab makes your permanent crown (about 1–2 weeks). At the second visit, the permanent crown is adjusted and cemented. With CEREC same-day crowns, the crown can be designed and milled in-office in one visit.
Q: How much do dental crowns cost in Arlington, MA?
A: In Massachusetts, dental crowns generally range from about $800 to $3,000 per tooth. The cost varies by material (porcelain vs gold, for example), the dentist’s fees, and lab charges. Insurance often covers about 50% of the cost for crowns deemed medically necessary.
Q: Are dental crowns painful to get?
A: Most patients find crown placement painless because the area is numbed with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure or vibration while the dentist reshapes the tooth, but it should not hurt. Some tenderness or sensitivity can occur for a few days after cementing the crown. Dentists use anesthetics and gentle techniques to minimize discomfort.
Q: What types of dental crowns are available?
A: Common types include all-ceramic (porcelain or zirconia) crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, and all-metal crowns (gold alloys or base metals). Ceramic crowns look most like natural teeth, PFM crowns combine strength and looks, and metal crowns (gold) are extremely durable. Your Arlington dentist will recommend the best type based on your needs.
Q: Can a dental crown come off or fall out?
A: While crowns are designed to be permanent, they can become loose if the cement washes out or if there is decay underneath. If a crown falls out, save it and contact your dentist quickly. The crown can often be re-cemented or replaced. Regular check-ups catch loosening before a full detachment.
Q: How do I care for a new dental crown?
A: Treat a crowned tooth like a natural tooth. Brush twice a day and floss daily, focusing on the crown’s margins. Avoid sticky or very hard foods on the new crown for a week or so. If you have sensitivity, a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help until the tooth settles down.
Q: How long do dental crowns last?
A: With good care, many crowns last well over 10 years. Studies show survival rates around 90% at 5 years and 80–90% at 10 years, depending on material. Factors like oral hygiene, grinding habits, and material choice influence longevity.
Q: Will my insurance cover a crown?
A: Dental insurance typically covers crowns at about 50%, after you meet your deductible. Coverage applies when the crown is needed for health (e.g., to repair decay) rather than purely cosmetic reasons. Check your specific plan for details on coverage levels and waiting periods.
Q: What is the recovery like after getting a crown?
A: Recovery is minimal. You might have mild soreness for a day or two. The numbness from anesthesia usually wears off within a couple of hours. Avoid very hard foods on the new crown for a short time, and be gentle if the bite feels off until your next adjustment. Most people resume normal eating the next day.
Is the crown procedure painful? Dental crowns are not painful when properly anesthetized. Most patients feel only pressure during preparation and experience minimal discomfort afterward, which is temporary.
Can I eat normally after a crown? Once the final crown is cemented, you can eat normally. Right after placement, your bite may feel slightly different. Until then, avoid very sticky or hard foods on the temporary crown.
What if my crowned tooth feels high? If your bite feels uneven or “high” after cementation, call your dentist. They can easily adjust the crown’s shape so it fits comfortably.
Can crowned teeth get cavities? Yes. The tooth underneath the crown can still develop decay at the margins. That’s why flossing and brushing around the crown is essential.
Will my crown look natural? High-quality porcelain crowns are crafted to match your tooth color and translucency. Most people cannot distinguish a good crown from a natural tooth.
Can I whiten a crowned tooth? No. Crowns are made to match your teeth at the time of placement. Whitening products won’t change the crown’s color. If you plan to whiten teeth, do it before getting the crown.
How do I know if I need a crown? Your Arlington dentist will examine your tooth. Common signs include large existing fillings, fractures, severe wear, or a tooth that has undergone root canal. An X-ray and clinical exam determine the need.
Are metal crowns bad? Metal crowns (like gold) are strong and long-lasting. They are not bad — in fact, they’re excellent for molars where appearance is less critical. The downside is the metal color.
Do crowns set off metal detectors? No. Dental crowns do not set off metal detectors because the metals used are not ferrous. You should have no issues passing through security.
What is the difference between a crown and a filling? A filling fills part of a tooth, while a crown covers the entire tooth surface. Crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling to work.
Dental crowns are a proven solution for saving and strengthening teeth in Arlington, MA. Whether you need to fix a cracked tooth, improve a smile, or anchor a bridge, modern crowns are durable and natural-looking. By understanding the types of crowns, the treatment process, costs, and how to care for your new restoration, you can feel confident in your dental decisions. Choose a reliable dentist in Arlington MA at Arlington Dental, 43 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474. (781) 641-0500. They will explain your options — from porcelain crowns to same-day CEREC crowns — and help restore your smile and oral health.
