A dental crown is a possible solution to fully cover and repair a tooth with significant decay, fracture, or other damage. These tooth-shaped caps can be considered a “second skin,” providing a cosmetically pleasing look and affording the vital tooth structure underneath with necessary reinforcement and protection.
When is a Dental Crown Needed?
In many circumstances, a dental crown might be suggested to save a natural tooth.
- Large areas of decay that cannot be treated with a filling
- Cracks, chips, or fractures that compromise the tooth’s integrity
- Root canal treatment that requires covering and sealing the tooth
- Replacing an existing large filling that has failed
- Restoring a dental implant or anchoring a dental bridge
- Improving the cosmetic appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth
A dental crown completely covers the part of the tooth that is left after preparing it for the crown. Think of it as putting the tooth in a protective shield.

The Dental Crown Procedure
Receiving a dental crown usually necessitates two appointments at our office. At the initial visit, your tooth is readied for the crown. This entails removing a small amount of the natural tooth surface to create the necessary space for the crown to fit properly. Then, an impression is taken, allowing a dental laboratory to accurately fabricate a crown that perfectly matches your tooth shape and shade.
While you wait for the laboratory to make the crown (typically one to two weeks), you’ll wear a temporary crown affixed with temporary cement. Finally, at the second visit, your temporary crown is removed, and the permanent one is cemented, covering your tooth completely.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
In addition to freshening and supporting your normal tooth for a long time, dental crowns have many advantages:
- Natural appearance and blending with surrounding teeth
- Improved biting and chewing capabilities
- Protection for a fragile, cracked, or heavily filled tooth
- Durable, long-lasting solution when properly cared for
- Ability to restore a dental implant or anchor a bridge
A high-quality dental crown can protect a tooth well for 10 to 15 years; some even last a lifetime. Good oral hygiene can extend the life of a dental crown by reducing the risk of decay to which the underlying tooth is still susceptible.
By following a care routine that includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing once daily, people can maximize the life and functionality of their dental crown.
The Precision Dentistry Advantage
Our skilled team of professionals follows a conservative, patient-centered method for tooth restoration. We always prioritize the preservation of your natural tooth; if an increased amount of invasiveness is required, then restorative dentistry is what we do next conservatively, of course!
If we recommend a crown, we want you to be completely informed of all the ins and outs. We’ll explain the whole process to you, address any concerns you might have, and generally keep you in the loop. Your comfort while sitting in our chair and your confidence in the whole procedure are our top priorities. At Precision Dentistry of Olympia, we pride ourselves on being up-to-date with dentistry, including material options. You have many options when it comes to selecting materials for your crown. These range from durable ceramics and zirconia to “aesthetic” varieties that can’t be distinguished from real teeth.