How long do dental crowns last?

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, dental crowns commonly last many years, and many last well over a decade. Longevity depends on the material, the tooth being restored, and habits such as teeth grinding. We will check your crown at each visit and let you know if it needs attention.

Does getting a crown hurt?

Crown treatment is done with local anesthetic, so most patients feel pressure but no pain during the appointment. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and usually fades within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically all that is needed.

How many visits does a crown take?

A traditional crown usually takes two visits — one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and a second to place the permanent crown after it is made in a dental lab. We place a temporary crown in between so your tooth stays protected.

What is the difference between a crown and a filling?

A filling repairs a small or moderate area of decay within a tooth, while a crown covers and protects the entire visible tooth. When a tooth is too damaged or weakened for a filling to hold reliably, a crown restores its strength and shape. We will recommend whichever option best protects your tooth.

Does insurance cover dental crowns?

Many dental plans cover a portion of the cost when a crown is medically necessary, such as after a fracture or root canal. Coverage varies by plan. We are in-network with most major PPO plans, will file your claims for you, and can review your estimated costs before treatment.

Dental Crowns Spokane Valley

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, restoring its size, shape, and function while protecting what remains of your natural tooth structure.

Crowns are a versatile restoration. We may recommend one to protect a tooth after a root canal, to rebuild a tooth broken by injury or large decay, to support a dental bridge, or to improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth.

Modern crowns are designed to blend in with your surrounding teeth. For many Spokane Valley patients, a well-made crown is indistinguishable from the natural teeth around it.

When You Might Need a Crown

A crown becomes the right choice when a filling alone cannot reliably restore a tooth. Common reasons we recommend a crown include:

A tooth weakened by a large cavity or an old, failing filling
A cracked or fractured tooth that needs to be held together
A tooth that has had root canal treatment and needs added protection
Significant wear from grinding or an uneven bite
A misshapen or discolored tooth you would like to improve cosmetically
An anchor tooth that will support a dental bridge

During your exam at our Spokane Valley office, we will review your options and explain why a crown — or a more conservative alternative — makes the most sense for your tooth.

Our Crown Process

We take time to make the process comfortable and clear. First, we numb the area with local anesthetic and gently prepare the tooth, removing decay and shaping it so the crown will fit securely.

Next, we take a digital impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This impression guides the design of a crown that matches your bite and the shade of your natural teeth.

While your custom crown is being made, we place a temporary crown to protect the tooth. At your follow-up visit, we remove the temporary, check the fit and color of the permanent crown, and bond it firmly in place. We then make any small adjustments so your bite feels natural.

Crown Materials We Offer

There is no one-size-fits-all crown. The best material depends on which tooth needs restoring, how much it shows when you smile, and how much chewing force it handles.

Tooth-colored porcelain and ceramic crowns are a popular choice for front teeth and visible areas because they closely mimic natural enamel. Stronger materials such as zirconia are often a good fit for back teeth that endure heavy chewing.

We will walk you through the trade-offs in appearance, durability, and cost so you can choose the option that fits your needs and budget.

Caring for Your Crown

A crown does not get cavities, but the natural tooth underneath it still can. Caring for a crowned tooth is much like caring for the rest of your smile.

Brush twice a day, floss daily around the crown to keep the gumline healthy, and keep up with professional cleanings every six months. If you grind your teeth at night, we may suggest a custom night guard to protect both your crown and your natural teeth.

With good care, dental crowns commonly last many years. We will check your crown at each visit and let you know if it ever needs attention.

Crowns for Spokane Valley Families

Whether you cracked a tooth on something unexpected or you are finally addressing an old filling that has seen better days, our team is here to help. We see patients of every age and explain each step in plain language.

We are in-network with most major PPO plans and will file your claims for you, and we are happy to review payment and financing options before treatment begins. Our goal is to make restoring your tooth straightforward for busy Spokane Valley families.

Dental Crowns in Spokane Valley, WA