Dental crowns are a metal or ceramic material that cover your tooth to restore broken down teeth either due to decay or fractures. Dental crowns return teeth back to a natural shape, color and strength. Crowns can be made of many materials, each of which comes with pros and cons. While crowns can be made of yellow or white gold, other choices are becoming more commonplace because of their esthetic, natural look and their compatibility with your natural teeth.
At White Pine Family Dental, we primarily use ceramic (emax) or ceramic like crowns (zirconia) depending on the situation our patient presents with. Both types of crowns can be made in our office in a single visit so you don’t have to leave with a temporary crown.
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal.
On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth.
Crown and bridgework is a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused through accidents, diseases or wear and tear. Major problems can usually be corrected using these techniques. Material used in these repairs is either high-grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold. A higher strength of the porcelain and gold materials is recommended to treat the most serious of dental problems.
Where accidental damage has occurred, resulting in lost teeth, or where teeth have broken away through excessive wear, or as the result of old fillings breaking, dental crowns and/or dental bridges can be used as a long-term solution.
Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, which is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and allows a return of full dental function for these teeth. In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause “appearance” problems due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can prevent breakage.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are many cases where you might need to get a dental crown. The following are a few strong signs you should get a crown, and we recommend seeking dental care sooner rather than later if you exhibit any of these needs:
No matter why you need a crown, a provider from White Pine Family Dental can set you up for success. We know how important it is to preserve your natural teeth and to prioritize your health, and we can meet you where you are to give you the treatment you need. Please reach out to us if you have any questions, and we’d be happy to schedule an appointment or consultation with one of our dedicated providers.
While a dental crown may seem like the perfect solution for your dental troubles, it’s essential to ensure you’re a good fit for the treatment first. The best way to learn whether you’re eligible for any dental treatment is to get a complete consultation with a thorough exam. However, we can let you know that the following factors can play a significant role in the decision your dental provider will make:
When you come in for your Reno, NV dental crown consultation, you and your provider will discuss these factors in greater detail. It’s essential that your provider has all the necessary information to make an accurate and healthy decision, so we encourage you to be open when you come in for your appointment.
After you get your dental crown, you’ll likely want to make sure that it stays looking and acting its best for as long as possible. Taking good care of your crowns will help ensure that they are long-lasting and stay durable. The following are just a few recommendations for our patients who want to take good care of their crowns:
Following these steps and recommendations is key to ensuring your crown stays beautiful and functional for many years. If you need any other pointers, please contact us with any questions.
At White Pine Family Dental, we know how valuable your smile is—not just for your appearance, but for your confidence and overall well-being. Dental crowns can play an essential role in restoring and protecting your teeth, and we’re here to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. From choosing the right crown material to ensuring long-term care, we’re committed to helping you achieve a smile you’ll love.
Dental crowns cost $1737, providing lasting protection and restoration for damaged teeth. Our custom-crafted crowns blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while restoring full functionality. We offer various financing options and will work with your insurance to maximize benefits. Schedule a consultation today to learn how our crown treatments can restore your smile.
If you’re ready to explore your options for dental crowns or have questions about your dental health, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can meet your needs with personalized care and a welcoming environment. Call us at (775) 871-1186 or visit our contact form.
Dental crowns last an average of 5-15 years, though many endure 15-30 years with excellent care—lifespan depends on crown material, oral hygiene, chewing habits, crown location, and quality of placement. Zirconia and gold crowns are most durable (15-30+ years), porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns last 10-15 years, all-ceramic/porcelain crowns last 10-15 years, and resin crowns last 5-10 years. Factors shortening crown life include teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism), using teeth as tools, chewing hard foods (ice, hard candy, nuts), poor oral hygiene allowing decay under crowns, gum disease causing bone loss, and inadequate initial fit creating gaps for bacteria. Factors extending crown life include wearing night guard if you grind teeth, excellent oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, regular cleanings), avoiding extremely hard/sticky foods, regular dental checkups to catch problems early, and having crowns placed by skilled dentists ensuring proper fit and bite. Crowns on back teeth experience more chewing force and may wear faster than front tooth crowns.
Traditional crown placement requires two appointments over 2-3 weeks, though same-day crowns (CEREC technology) are completed in one visit. First appointment (60-90 minutes): your dentist examines tooth, administers local anesthesia, removes decay or old filling material, reshapes tooth by removing about 1.5-2mm of enamel on all sides to create room for crown, takes impressions or digital scans of prepared tooth and surrounding teeth, determines crown color to match neighboring teeth, and places temporary crown to protect prepared tooth. Dental laboratory fabricates custom crown (1-3 weeks), or if your dentist has CEREC technology, crown can be milled in-office during one extended appointment. Second appointment (30-60 minutes): temporary crown is removed, permanent crown is carefully fitted and adjusted for proper bite and contact with adjacent teeth, then permanently cemented in place. Some sensitivity is normal for few days after crown placement. Schedule crown consultation at White Pine Family Dental to evaluate your tooth.
Dental crown costs vary widely based on material, location, and dentist expertise. Porcelain/ceramic crowns cost $800-$3,000 per tooth (average $1,000-$1,500), porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns cost $800-$2,500, gold crowns cost $1,000-$3,500+, zirconia crowns cost $1,000-$2,500, and resin crowns cost $600-$1,300. Fees typically include both appointments, temporary crown, impressions, and crown fabrication. Additional costs may include dental exam and X-rays ($75-$300), root canal if needed ($700-$1,500+), core buildup to support crown ($150-400), or tooth extraction if crown isn’t viable ($75-$650). Most dental insurance plans cover 50% of crown costs when medically necessary (not cosmetic), with typical annual benefit maximums of $1,000-$2,000. Insurance often requires documentation that crowns are necessary to restore function or prevent further damage. Many dental offices including White Pine Family Dental offer payment plans or financing options. While crowns represent significant investment, they protect compromised teeth from fracture, restore function, and can last 10-20+ years. Call (775) 871-1186 to discuss options.
Several crown materials offer different advantages. Porcelain/all-ceramic provides most natural appearance, ideal for front teeth, but more prone to chipping (lifespan 10-15 years). Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) combines metal strength with porcelain aesthetics, suitable for front or back teeth, though gray line may show at gumline (lifespan 10-15 years). Zirconia offers exceptional strength rivaling metal with good aesthetics, resistant to chipping, ideal for back teeth or patients who grind teeth (lifespan 15-20+ years). Gold/metal alloy is strongest, most durable option never chipping, preserves maximum tooth structure, ideal for back molars, though highly visible (lifespan 20-30+ years). Resin is least expensive but weakest and most prone to wear and fracture (lifespan 5-10 years). E.max (lithium disilicate) offers excellent strength and translucency for natural appearance, can be completed same-day with CEREC (lifespan 10-15 years). Crown selection depends on tooth location (front vs. back), aesthetic priorities, budget, bite force/grinding habits, and amount of remaining tooth structure. White Pine Family Dental will recommend optimal crown material.
Root canals are not always necessary before crown placement—many teeth can be crowned without root canal treatment. Crowns are needed when teeth have large fillings, significant decay, cracks/fractures, or excessive wear compromising structure but the inner pulp (nerve and blood vessels) remains healthy. After your dentist removes decay and prepares tooth, if pulp remains unaffected, no root canal is needed. However, some situations require root canal before crown: tooth with deep decay reaching pulp, cracked teeth with exposed pulp causing pain, teeth with previous root canal needing crown protection, or teeth requiring extensive preparation risking pulp exposure. Additionally, some teeth develop pulp irritation and require root canal after crown placement if post-procedure sensitivity doesn’t resolve (occurs in approximately 5-15% of crowned teeth). Your dentist evaluates pulp health through clinical examination, X-rays, and pulp vitality tests before deciding whether root canal is necessary. Root canal-treated teeth always need crowns because they become brittle without internal blood supply and are prone to fracture—crowns protect and strengthen them.
Several warning signs indicate your crown may be failing and requires evaluation. Pain or sensitivity underneath crown, especially to pressure, hot, or cold, suggests decay, infection, or crown damage. Visible gaps or dark lines at gumline indicate crown loosening, improper fit, or decay beneath crown. Crown feels loose or moves when chewing—crowns should feel solid; looseness indicates cement failure or underlying tooth decay. Visible cracks, chips, or breaks in crown material compromise its protective function and require replacement. Changes in bite where crown feels higher or contacts opposing teeth abnormally. Bad taste or odor near crowned tooth suggests infection or decay beneath crown. Gum inflammation or recession around crowned tooth may indicate poor fit or oral hygiene issues. Crowns typically require replacement when cement fails and crown loosens/falls off, porcelain fractures or chips significantly, decay develops underneath crown, or crown simply reaches end-of-life (10-20 years depending on material). Regular dental checkups and X-rays help identify crown problems early. If you experience concerning symptoms, schedule examination at White Pine Family Dental—early intervention can prevent complications requiring more extensive treatment.
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Phone: (775) 825-6655
Fax: (775) 825-8691
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