Dental Crowns in Woodbury, MN
Rebuild a damaged, weakened, or heavily worn tooth so it can look and function like the rest of your smile.
Rebuilding a Damaged Tooth
A dental crown is a cap that covers a tooth entirely, restoring its strength and shape when there's too much damage for a filling to reasonably handle. Crowns are one of the more common restorative procedures in dentistry, used for everything from a cracked tooth to one that's already had a root canal.
This page covers what a crown involves, how it differs from a filling, and what to expect if a dentist recommends one for you.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a custom-made cap, typically made from porcelain, zirconia, or a porcelain-fused-to-metal combination, that fits over a prepared tooth like a cover. Unlike a filling, which fills in a portion of the tooth, a crown encases the entire visible part of the tooth above the gumline, providing full coverage and support.
Crowns are used both for function — protecting a structurally weak tooth from breaking further — and, secondarily, for appearance, since modern materials can closely match the color and shape of natural teeth.
Who Might Need a Crown?
Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth has a large cavity that's too extensive for a filling, when a tooth is cracked or fractured, after a root canal (which can leave a tooth more brittle), or when a tooth has already had a large filling that's failing. They're also sometimes used cosmetically to reshape a tooth, though that's a secondary consideration to the structural need in most cases.
If a dentist has told you that a filling isn't a strong enough option for your tooth, a crown is very likely what they mean instead.
Signs You May Need a Crown
A dentist may recommend a crown if you're experiencing:
- A visibly cracked or fractured tooth
- Pain when biting down, which can indicate a crack
- A large area of decay that a filling can't adequately support
- A tooth that recently had root canal treatment
- A tooth with a large, old filling that's breaking down
- Significant wear that's changed the shape or height of a tooth
What to Expect With a Dental Crown
Getting a crown typically takes place over one or two visits, depending on the office and technology used:
- 1
Exam and preparation
The dentist evaluates the tooth, removes any decay, and shapes the tooth to make room for the crown.
- 2
Impressions or digital scan
A mold or digital scan of the prepared tooth is taken to design a crown that fits precisely.
- 3
Temporary crown
If the permanent crown is made off-site, a temporary crown protects the tooth in the meantime.
- 4
Placing the permanent crown
Once ready, the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite, then cemented into place.
- 5
Follow-up
A brief check-in confirms the crown feels comfortable and your bite is functioning normally.
Why Crowns Are Used
A well-placed crown offers a few practical benefits:
- Restores a damaged tooth's strength for normal chewing
- Protects a weakened tooth from further cracking or breaking
- Can extend the life of a tooth that might otherwise need extraction
- Blends in closely with surrounding natural teeth
- Provides a long-term, durable solution compared to repeated smaller repairs
Cost and Insurance for Crowns
Crowns typically cost more than a filling, reflecting the custom fabrication process and the materials involved. Cost can vary based on the material chosen, the tooth's location, and whether additional treatment (like a root canal) is needed first.
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for crowns when they're medically necessary, though coverage amounts vary by plan. The participating provider you're connected with can walk through pricing and insurance specifics for your situation.
Alternatives to a Crown
Depending on the extent of the damage, other options may be reasonable to discuss:
Large filling or inlay/onlay
May be sufficient for moderate damage that doesn't require full coverage — your dentist can advise whether your tooth qualifies.
Extraction and replacement
If a tooth is too damaged to save even with a crown, extraction followed by a dental implant may be discussed instead. See our tooth extraction and dental implants pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling fills in a portion of a tooth. A crown covers the entire visible tooth above the gumline, providing more support for teeth with extensive damage that a filling can't adequately handle.
How long do dental crowns last?
Many crowns last well over a decade with good oral hygiene and regular checkups, though lifespan varies based on the material, location in the mouth, and individual wear.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic before preparation, so the procedure itself is generally not painful. Some sensitivity is common for a few days afterward.
How many visits does a crown take?
Traditionally two visits — one to prepare the tooth and place a temporary crown, and a second to place the permanent one. Some offices use same-day technology that can complete the process in a single visit.
What are crowns made of?
Common materials include all-ceramic or zirconia (tooth-colored and durable), and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Your dentist can recommend a material based on the tooth's location and your priorities.
Can a cracked tooth be saved with a crown?
Often, yes, especially if the crack hasn't extended below the gumline or into the root. A dentist can evaluate the extent of the crack to determine if a crown is a viable option.
Do I need a root canal before a crown?
Not always — it depends on whether the tooth's nerve is affected. If there's significant decay, infection, or the crack reaches the nerve, a root canal is often recommended before placing a crown.
What happens if a crown falls off?
Contact a dentist promptly. Keep the crown if possible, avoid chewing on that side, and don't try to re-cement it yourself. In many cases the existing crown can be reattached if there's no new damage to the tooth.
Crown Treatment for Woodbury-Area Patients
Crowns are a common restorative treatment for patients throughout Woodbury, Cottage Grove, and Lake Elmo, particularly following a cracked tooth or as a follow-up to root canal treatment. Because a damaged tooth can worsen while waiting, many patients prioritize getting evaluated soon after noticing an issue.
Related Services
Root Canal Treatment
Relieving infection-related tooth pain while saving the natural tooth whenever possible.
Dental Fillings
Treating cavities early, before they turn into a bigger and more expensive problem.
Dental Implants
A long-term option for replacing one or more missing teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Whitening and smile-appearance treatments for a brighter, more even smile.
Need a Dental Crown in Woodbury, MN?
Request an appointment or call to connect with a participating local dental provider about restoring a damaged tooth.