4550 Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 107, McKinney, TX
Repair Damaged Teeth with Custom Dental Crowns
A dental crown is one of the most versatile and commonly placed restorations in dentistry — and for good reason. When a tooth has been significantly damaged, weakened, or compromised, a crown gives it back the structure, strength, and appearance it needs to function properly and last for years to come.
At West McKinney Dental & Orthodontics, our team designs and places custom crowns with a sharp focus on fit, durability, and natural aesthetics. Every crown we place is crafted to match the size, shape, and shade of your surrounding teeth so closely that most people,including you will quickly forget it is there.
If you have been told you need a crown, or if you have a tooth that has been causing concern, come in and let our team take a look. We will give you an honest assessment and a clear picture of your options.
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What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth, from the gumline up. It fully encases the tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength while protecting the remaining structure underneath from further damage or fracture.
Crowns are permanently cemented in place and, once seated, function exactly like a natural tooth. They can withstand normal chewing forces, are brushed and flossed as part of your regular routine, and with proper care, can last well over a decade.
Modern crowns are made from high-quality materials designed to closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel. The result is a restoration that performs like a tooth and looks like one too.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, a well-made dental crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and many last significantly longer. The lifespan of a crown depends on the material used, the location of the tooth, your bite and any grinding habits, and how consistently you maintain your oral hygiene and routine dental visits.
The tooth underneath the crown still has a root, which means it can still develop problems. Decay can form at the margin where the crown meets the tooth at the gumline if that area is not kept clean. Gum disease can affect the supporting tissue around the crowned tooth just as it would a natural one.
Our team checks the condition of all existing crowns at every routine exam, looking at the margins, the bite, and the health of the surrounding gum tissue. Staying on top of your six-month visits is one of the most important things you can do to protect your investment.
What to Expect During the Crown Process
Getting a dental crown at West McKinney Dental & Orthodontics is a comfortable, step-by-step process designed to restore strength, function, and appearance to your tooth.
Most patients leave treatment with a crown that feels natural and comfortable, with only mild sensitivity that typically fades within a few days.
01.
Examination and Treatment Planning
Our team begins with a thorough exam and X-rays to determine whether a crown is the right treatment. We evaluate the health of the tooth, surrounding bone, and bite, then discuss your treatment options, materials, and what to expect throughout the process.
02.
Numbing the Area
Local anesthesia is used to keep the tooth and surrounding area completely comfortable before treatment begins.
03.
Preparing the Tooth
The tooth is carefully reshaped to create space for the crown. If the tooth has lost significant structure due to decay or damage, a buildup may be placed first to provide a strong foundation.
04.
Taking Impressions
Detailed impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory. These help create a custom crown that fits comfortably and blends naturally with your smile.
05.
Placing a Temporary Crown
A temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth while your permanent restoration is being crafted.
06.
Evaluating the Permanent Crown
Once your custom crown is ready, our team carefully checks the fit, bite, comfort, and appearance to ensure it looks natural and functions properly.
07.
Securing the Final Crown
After any needed adjustments are made, the crown is permanently cemented in place, restoring the strength, function, and appearance of your tooth.
Caring for Your Crown
Caring for a crowned tooth is straightforward and follows the same principles as caring for your natural teeth:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying close attention to the margin where the crown meets the gum
- Floss daily, taking care to clean the area between the crown and adjacent teeth thoroughly
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or other excessively hard foods that can chip or crack the crown material
- If you grind your teeth at night, ask our team about a custom nightguard to protect your crown and your other teeth from excessive wear
- Keep up with routine dental exams and cleanings every six months
If your crown ever feels loose, shifts, chips, or comes off entirely, contact our office as soon as possible. Do not try to re-cement it at home.
Let Our Team Restore Your Tooth the Right Way
Whether you have been told you need a crown, have a tooth that has been bothering you, or want to know whether a damaged tooth can be saved, our team is ready to help. We will take a thorough look, give you honest answers, and make sure you feel completely confident in the treatment plan before we move forward.
New patients welcome. We are always happy to provide a second opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does getting a crown hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the preparation or placement. Mild sensitivity and soreness in the days following each appointment is normal and typically resolves within a week. If discomfort persists or worsens, contact our office.
Q. How long does the crown process take?
Most patients complete the process in two appointments spaced one to two weeks apart. The first appointment — preparation, impressions, and temporary crown — takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The second appointment — fitting and cementing the permanent crown — typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Q. Can a crown fall off?
It is uncommon but possible. A crown can come loose if the cement seal weakens over time, if the tooth underneath develops decay, or if the crown is subjected to unusual stress. If your crown comes off, contact our office promptly and bring the crown with you. Avoid chewing on that side until it is reseated.
Q. Will my crown look natural?
Yes. Modern crown materials — particularly porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia — are designed to closely replicate the appearance of natural tooth enamel in color, translucency, and texture. Our team works carefully to match the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth so the crown integrates seamlessly into your smile.
Q. Is a crown better than a large filling?
In many cases, yes. When a tooth has lost a significant portion of its structure to decay, fracture, or a large existing filling, a crown provides far more protection and longevity than a large filling would. A filling restores a portion of a tooth; a crown encases and protects the entire visible structure. Our team will always recommend the most conservative option that can predictably restore the tooth long-term.
Q. Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?
The crown material itself cannot decay, but the tooth underneath the crown still can. Decay most commonly develops at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth at or just below the gumline. This is why keeping the area clean with proper brushing and flossing is so important, and why routine exams are essential for monitoring crowned teeth over time.
Q. What if I need a crown but also have gum disease?
Gum disease should be treated before a crown is placed whenever possible. Placing a crown on a tooth surrounded by inflamed, diseased gum tissue compromises both the outcome of the crown and the health of the supporting structures. Our team will address any active gum disease first and time the crown placement appropriately.
Q. Do I need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, yes. Root canal treatment removes the inner pulp of the tooth, which leaves it more brittle and significantly more susceptible to fracture under normal chewing forces. Placing a crown over a root canal-treated tooth is standard practice and is one of the most important steps in ensuring the treated tooth survives long-term.
Q. How much does a dental crown cost?
The cost of a crown varies depending on the material used, the complexity of the case, and your insurance coverage. Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for crowns when they are deemed medically necessary. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins and provide a clear estimate of your out-of-pocket cost so there are no surprises.
Q. Can I get a second opinion about whether I need a crown?
Absolutely. We welcome second opinions and believe every patient has the right to feel completely confident in their treatment plan. If you have been told you need a crown and want another perspective, come in — our team will give you an honest, thorough evaluation and tell you exactly what we see.