When a tooth is damaged, decayed, or weakened, a dental crown is one of the most reliable ways to protect it and restore its function. Crowns have been used in dentistry for many decades—and the materials and techniques used today are better than ever. If you are looking for a trusted dentist near you who can help you understand your crown options, this guide breaks everything down in simple, clear language so you can make a confident, informed decision.
What Is a Dental Crown and When Do You Need One?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It covers the entire visible part of the tooth—right down to the gum line—and restores its shape, strength, and appearance.
A crown is generally advised when;
- A tooth has severe decay that a filling cannot adequately repair
- A tooth is cracked or fractured, but the root is still healthy
- A tooth has become weak after root canal treatment
- A tooth is worn down significantly from grinding
- A broken cusp needs full coverage to restore function
- A dental implant needs a visible crown placed on top
The goal of a crown is to protect what remains of the natural tooth and keep it functional for as long as possible.
What Are Dental Crowns Made From?
This is where things get interesting. Dental crowns in Edmonton that patients ask about most commonly come in several different materials — and each has its own strengths depending on where the tooth is located and what the patient needs.
Here is a clear overview of the main types:
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are among the most popular choices for front teeth. They are made entirely from ceramic material and are designed to closely match the colour and translucency of natural teeth.
Key benefits of porcelain crowns:
- Highly natural in appearance
- Colour-matched to surrounding teeth
- Metal-free — a good option for patients with metal sensitivities
- Smooth surface that is gentle on opposing teeth
Porcelain crowns are ideal where appearance matters most — particularly for visible front teeth.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns — typically made from gold or other metal alloys — are known for their exceptional durability. They are rarely used for front teeth because of their colour, but they remain a practical choice for back teeth.
Key benefits of metal crowns:
- Extremely strong and long-lasting
- Require less tooth removal during preparation
- Rarely chip or break
- Withstands heavy chewing forces very well
For patients who need maximum strength in a back molar, metal crowns remain one of the most durable options available.
Porcelain Crowns vs. Metal Crowns — Which Is Better?
The honest answer is it depends on where the tooth is and what you need from it.
Here is a comparison of porcelain crowns vs metal crowns:
| Factor | Porcelain Crowns | Metal Crowns |
| Appearance | Highly natural—matches tooth colour | Metallic — visible silver or gold |
| Durability | Very good—can chip under extreme force | Excellent — rarely chips or fractures |
| Best location | Front teeth—aesthetics are key | Back teeth—strength is key |
| Tooth preparation | Moderate removal required | Less tooth removal needed |
| Allergies | Metal-free option | Not suitable for metal-sensitive patients |
| Cost | Moderate to higher | Varies by metal type |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years with care | 15 years or more with care |
Neither is universally better. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate type based on the tooth’s location, the bite forces it needs to handle, and your personal preferences.
Ceramic Dental Crowns — A Closer Look
Ceramic dental crowns have become increasingly popular in recent years—and for good reason.
Modern ceramic materials — particularly zirconia — offer an impressive combination of strength and aesthetics. Zirconia crowns are
- Very strong — comparable to metal in many situations
- Natural-looking — available in tooth-coloured shades
- Biocompatible — well tolerated by the body
- Resistant to chipping — more durable than older ceramic options
- Suitable for both front and back teeth
Zirconia has become one of the most widely recommended crown materials because it bridges the gap between the beauty of porcelain and the strength of metal. Many patients who previously would have needed a metal crown for a back tooth can now have a ceramic option instead.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns — The Middle Ground
There is a fourth option worth knowing about—porcelain fused to metal crowns, often called PFM crowns.
These crowns have a metal base for strength with a porcelain outer layer for aesthetics. They have been used reliably for many years and offer a balance between durability and appearance.
However, over time, the porcelain layer can chip—and a thin dark line may become visible at the gum line as gums naturally recede slightly with age. For this reason, many dentists now favour full zirconia or ceramic options where both strength and aesthetics are needed.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
A dental crown can typically last 10-15 years when properly looked after. Some dental crowns last even longer. It varies based on:
- The material used
- Which tooth is the crown placed on
- Your oral hygiene habits
- Whether you grind your teeth at night
- How regularly you attend dental checkups
A well-maintained crown can serve you reliably for many years—making it a genuinely worthwhile investment in your long-term dental health.
How to Care for Your Dental Crown
Caring for a crown is easy. Here are the things that count the most:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss carefully around the crown every day
- Avoid biting on very hard foods—ice, hard sweets, or crusty bread
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping
- Attend regular dental checkups so the crown can be monitored
- Let your dentist know immediately if the crown feels loose, uncomfortable, or different
Small, consistent habits protect your crown and help it last as long as possible.
What to Expect When Getting a Crown
The crown process is typically completed over two appointments:
- First appointment — the tooth is examined and shaped. An impression or digital scan is taken and sent to the laboratory. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made.
- Second appointment—the permanent crown is checked carefully for fit, colour, and bite. Once everything is confirmed, it is bonded securely in place.
Both appointments are carried out under local anesthesia. Most patients find the process comfortable with only mild sensitivity in the days following.
Protecting Your Tooth Starts With the Right Crown
Dental crowns are a proven and trusted method for preserving your damaged tooth and enabling its complete function. Whether it’s the pristine look of porcelain, the durability of metal, or modern zirconia, which offers the best of both worlds, you can be certain there’s a crown for your specific needs.
At Albany Dental, the health of your teeth is of the utmost importance for the foreseeable future. Our understanding and concerned team is happy to evaluate your tooth, describe the various options thoroughly, and guide you toward the right crown for years of beneficial use. Book your appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during it. Some mild sensitivity or soreness in the days afterward is normal and usually settles quickly.
Can a crowned tooth still get decay?
The crown itself cannot decay—but the natural tooth structure beneath it can if oral hygiene is not maintained. Brushing and flossing around the crown is just as important as with natural teeth.
Is a crown always needed after a root canal?
In most cases, yes — root canal treatment can leave a tooth more brittle, and a crown provides the protection needed to prevent cracking and restore full function.
What happens if a crown falls off?
Contact your dentist as soon as possible. Keep the crown safe and avoid eating on that side. In many cases, the crown can be re-cemented, but the dentist will assess what is needed.