What are Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges?

A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that provides support and protection for a damaged tooth. This may be necessary when a natural tooth is broken, worn down, or structurally weak. A crown can also be placed on a tooth that has a large filling, which can weaken its structure. Crowns can also be used cosmetically to cover a tooth when the patient is unhappy with its color or shape.

We also place crowns to support a dental bridge. A dental bridge is used to replace one or several missing teeth. It consists of the replacement tooth or teeth on a framework, which attaches to teeth on either side. This framework can be permanent or removable. To support a bridge, the teeth on either side need to be fitted with crowns.

“A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that provides support and protection for a damaged tooth.”

How Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Work

Crowns can be attached to an implant. The post of the implant, placed within the jawbone, replaces the roots of the tooth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, this is a popular procedure in which the number of implant-supported crowns placed each year reaches 2.3 million. A crown over an implant can also serve as support for a dental bridge in the absence of natural teeth in the necessary location.

Several types of crowns vary by material. Common materials for dental crowns include porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, metal, and resin. Metals are typically alloys, which have the advantage of durability but the disadvantage of a conspicuous appearance. Due to this, dentists may use them for molars that are not visible. Porcelain and ceramic materials offer more accurate color matching; however, porcelain fused to metal can offer better wear. Recently, zirconium, a type of ceramic, has become a popular material due to its aesthetic qualities. A study review in the International Journal of Prosthodontics suggests that zirconium may provide a level of durability similar to that of metal-based porcelain.

“A crown over an implant can also serve as support for a dental bridge in the absence of natural teeth in the necessary location.”

Why Patients Get a Dental Crown

Some patients may choose dental crowns to avoid further damage or decay to an existing tooth or to maintain an aesthetically pleasing smile. Crowns can also help prevent tooth loss that could lead to additional oral health problems and more expensive dental work. Additionally, patients may find crowns help them maintain a normal bite and keep the teeth from shifting.

“Crowns also help prevent tooth loss that could lead to additional oral health problems and more expensive dental work.”

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Receiving a Dental Crown Step-by-Step

It may take a few appointments for a patient to receive a crown. In many cases, the dental crown procedure is part of another dental treatment plan, such as a root canal. Here is the step-by-step process for getting a dental crown:

• Before the Crown. The dentist treats any problems before starting the dental crown creation process. Any infections or cavities must be addressed or filled. Sometimes, an old crown needs replacement. In this case, the dentist will remove the remnants first.
• Preparation. Next, the dentist must prepare the tooth for the crown. The dentist or another member of our team will shave down the tooth to make room for the crown. Then, the dental staff makes a series of impressions to send to the lab. Some patients receive a temporary crown at the end of this appointment.
• Crown Delivery. Once the crown is ready for delivery, the patient must return to the office for placement. First, the dentist tries on the crown to make sure it feels and looks right in the mouth. If it fits correctly, the dentist uses dental cement to glue it in place permanently.

“In many cases, the dental crown procedure is part of another dental treatment plan, such as a root canal.”

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. Why should I get a dental crown?

Q. What is it like to go through the process of receiving a dental crown?

Q. What is a dental crown?

Q. How does a dental crown work?

People Also Ask

Q. Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?

Q. When is a dental restoration necessary?

Q. What types of dental bridges are available?

Q. What are some common dental emergencies?

Q. What is restorative dentistry?

Q. What are the benefits of restoration dentistry?

Q. How can you save a tooth with a root canal?

Q. What is dental restoration?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does a dental crown last?

A. Crowns usually last between five and 15 years. Good oral hygiene can extend their lifetime towards the higher end of this range. Additionally, avoid putting stress on them by biting on hard foods or chewing ice.

Q. What should I do if my dental crown comes off?

A. WebMD recommends cleaning the crown and the accessible parts of the tooth. Call the dental office right away and follow the care instructions given until the appointment. In the meantime, it is possible to use dental adhesive or temporary dental cement to replace the crown. The dentist will either replace the crown permanently or order a new one.

Q. How should I take care of a temporary dental crown?

A. Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the crown, if possible. Likewise, avoid hard or sticky foods that could pull off the crown. Follow a regular oral hygiene routine but avoid flossing up and down around the crown, as that could displace it.

Q. Is it possible to whiten a dental crown?

A. Regular tooth whiteners do not work on dental crowns. It is best to choose the preferred color before the crown is placed. Most crowns are made of porcelain or a combination of porcelain and metal. As a result, they do not discolor easily and should not present this problem once placed.

Q. Will my dental crown look like a real tooth?

A. Crowns are shaped to look like real teeth. We also strive to match them by color and ensure that they do not stand out among the natural teeth. While metal is sometimes used for crowns, it is generally reserved for teeth that are not visible.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

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Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology

Allograft

An allograft is a graft of tissue from a donor within the same species as the patient that is not a genetic relative.

Alveolar Ridge

The alveolar ridge is the bony ridge for one of the jaw ridges located on the roof of the mouth or on the bottom of the mouth.

Autograft

An autograft is a graft of tissue from one portion of an individual’s body to another.

Bleachorexia

Bleachorexia is when people continue to abuse teeth whitening solutions without consulting professionals, causing significant damage to their enamel and gums in the process.

Cap Splint

A cap splint is a plastic or metallic device that professionals may use to treat mandible or maxillary fractures and cover crowns of teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that increases the extent of a tooth structure for restorative or esthetic purposes.

Dental Crown

A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.

Dentin Hypersensitivity

Dentin hypersensitivity is when the enamel wears down on the tooth enough that the dentin faces exposure and will cause great levels of pain when a person applies pressure to the tooth or drinks hot/cold beverages.

Dentist

A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

Call Us to Get More Details

Our dental crown options in Palm Desert give patients choices for tooth restoration. If you have concerns about your teeth, call us today at (760) 565-0234 to schedule a consultation regarding any questions you have about our dental crown services.

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025

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