Dental Crowns: Cost, Timeline, Longevity, Care & What to Do If One Falls Out
If we've recommended a tooth crown, you probably already understand why it's needed. What you may want to know now is the practical side: what it costs, how many visits it takes, how long it should last, and what to do if it comes loose.
At Martinez & Martinez Family Dental Care in Monroe, OH, these are the questions our patients ask most. Here are our answers, from your first appointment through long-term care. To learn about the treatment itself, see our page on dental crowns in Monroe.
What Is a Tooth Crown?
A tooth crown, sometimes called a cap, is a custom-made restoration that covers a tooth to rebuild its shape, strength, and appearance.
We often recommend one when a tooth has lost a lot of its structure, for example after a large filling, a fracture, or root canal treatment.
A tooth crown can be made from several materials, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Each has advantages and drawbacks. Which one suits you depends on the tooth's location, how you bite and chew, and how natural you want it to look. We'll walk you through the options before you decide.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
In the United States, a single crown typically costs roughly $900 to $2,500 per tooth, and many patients pay around $1,300. Your own cost depends on the factors below, and we'll give you a written estimate after your exam.
- Crown material: Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns usually sit at the lower end. Zirconia and gold tend to cost more.
- Tooth condition: A tooth that needs a build-up or a root canal first will cost more overall.
- Tooth location: Back teeth often need stronger materials than front teeth.
- Dental insurance: Many plans treat crowns as major restorative work and cover about half the cost after your deductible. Check your annual maximum and any frequency limits.
When you ask about price, ask for the estimate for the full treatment, not only the crown itself. That includes the exam, any preparatory work, the temporary crown, and the final restoration. Our team can check your benefits and explain your expected out-of-pocket cost before you commit.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Dental Crown?
Getting a tooth crown usually takes two appointments, spread over a couple of weeks while the lab makes your crown.
- Visit one: We prepare the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown to protect it.
- Lab time: Your impressions go to a dental laboratory, where your permanent crown is made.
- Visit two: We remove the temporary crown, check the fit, appearance, and bite of the permanent crown, make any needed adjustments, and cement it in place.
The timeline can change depending on the tooth, the material, lab turnaround, and whether other treatment is needed first. If your schedule is tight, tell us when you book and we'll plan around it.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last, and Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
A tooth crown is built to last, but it isn't permanent. Most crowns last at least five years, and many last 15 years or longer with good care. Gold and other metal crowns tend to last longest, while resin crowns wear down faster.
A few things affect how long yours lasts:
- Oral hygiene and gum health: The crown can't decay, but the tooth underneath can, especially at the gumline.
- Bite and grinding: Clenching or grinding puts heavy force on a crown and can chip or loosen it. If you grind at night, ask us about a night guard or TMJ treatment.
- Habits: Chewing ice, biting hard objects, or opening packages with your teeth can crack a crown.
- Material and placement: Different crown materials wear differently, and so do different teeth.
Eventually most crowns need to be replaced because of wear, a chip or crack, or decay at the edge. Regular checkups let us catch these problems early.
Can a Dental Crown Fall Out? What Should You Do If a Dental Crown Falls Out?
Yes, a dental crown can become loose or fall out. Common causes include worn or failing cement, decay under the crown, a cracked crown, or heavy biting forces. Temporary crowns come off more easily because they are meant to be short-term.
If your crown falls out, here's what to do:
- Don't throw it away. Keep the crown in a clean container. We may be able to re-cement it.
- Call our office. Phone 513-360-0917 as soon as you can. Our hours are Monday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed Thursdays and weekends.
- Protect the tooth. The exposed tooth may be sensitive to hot, cold, and pressure. Avoid chewing on that side.
- Brush gently and keep the area clean.
- Don't use super glue or other household adhesives. They can damage the tooth and make it harder for us to re-seat the crown properly.
- Bring the crown to your appointment, even if it is broken.
A lost crown is usually not an emergency, but it needs prompt attention. Left uncovered, the tooth can crack, decay, or become infected. If you have severe pain, facial swelling, or signs of infection, seek care right away. Our post-operative instructions also explain what to do if a crown comes off.
How Do You Care for a Dental Crown?
Caring for a tooth crown is much like caring for your natural teeth, and the tooth underneath still needs it.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Our guide on how to brush your teeth covers technique.
- Clean between your teeth daily. Pay close attention to the gumline around the crown, where plaque collects. See how to floss your teeth. If you use a water flosser or interdental brush, ask us whether it suits your restoration.
- Go easy on hard and sticky foods. Ice, hard candy, and chewy caramel can stress a crown or pull it loose.
- Don't use your teeth as tools.
- Keep your regular checkups. We examine both the crown and the tooth beneath it, and we can spot early signs of trouble.
When to Have a Tooth Crown Checked
Don't wait for a crown to fall out completely. Call us if it feels loose, your bite has changed, you see a chip or crack, or you have lingering sensitivity or discomfort around it. Small problems are usually simpler and cheaper to fix early.
If you have questions about a tooth crown, including whether you need one, what it will cost, or what to do about a loose or damaged one, we're here to help. Contact us or call 513-360-0917 to schedule a visit at Martinez & Martinez Family Dental Care in Monroe, OH.
Common Questions About Tooth Crowns
Is a crown sensitive after it's placed?
Some mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common for a short time. If it lasts or gets worse, or your bite feels off, let us know.
Can a chipped or cracked crown be repaired?
Sometimes a small chip can be smoothed or repaired. A larger crack usually means the crown needs replacing. We'll examine it and tell you which.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes, especially on back teeth, because the tooth is weaker afterward. We'll tell you whether yours needs one.
What if the tooth can't be saved?
If there isn't enough healthy teeth left to support a crown, we may talk with you about dental implants.
