A cracked, decayed, or worn-down tooth does not always mean losing it. Dental crowns give general dentistry patients a way to protect what remains of a damaged tooth while restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. Whether the damage came from a large cavity, an old filling that failed, or an injury, a well-fitted crown can return normal biting function and help you avoid more invasive treatment down the road.
Meet Your Las Vegas Dental Crown Providers
Dr. Chin completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, with extensive experience in restorative and prosthetic dentistry.
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Dr. Pharar completed advanced training at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and specializes in restorative dentistry, including custom crown work.
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The Role of Dental Crowns in Restoring Damaged Teeth
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is an artificial cap placed over a damaged tooth. The crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth and is cemented permanently in place, so it functions and feels like part of your natural bite. Crowns can be made from different materials, and the right choice depends on the tooth’s location, how much chewing force it needs to withstand, and your preference for appearance.
- Porcelain: Matches the natural color and translucency of surrounding teeth, making it a popular choice for front teeth and other visible areas of the smile.
- Zirconia: A strong, tooth-colored ceramic made from zirconium dioxide. It resists chipping and cracking better than most other materials, is biocompatible so it is unlikely to irritate the gums, and can be shaded to match your natural teeth. Zirconia holds up well to the biting forces of molars while still looking natural.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Combines a metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer for added strength in areas that need extra support.
- Metal (gold or base metal alloy): Highly durable and long-wearing, typically reserved for back molars where appearance matters less than strength.
Dr. Chin and Dr. Pharar will walk you through which material fits your tooth, your bite, and your budget before any preparation begins.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
A dental crown has a normal lifespan of 10 to 30 years, and some crowns last a lifetime with proper care. How long yours lasts depends on the material used, how well you maintain it, and whether underlying conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or gum disease are present and treated. Zirconia and porcelain crowns tend to hold up especially well against everyday chewing forces without losing their color or shape.
When are Dental Crowns Necessary?
Dental crowns are necessary when a tooth is damaged or decayed beyond what a filling can repair. This can occur due to trauma, cavities, or ordinary wear and tear. Some common scenarios that call for a crown include the following:
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A large filling that has failed or is at risk of failing
- A tooth after root canal therapy
- A tooth that is severely decayed
- A misshapen or discolored tooth that affects function as well as appearance
If you already have dental work that is not holding up the way you expected, a second opinion can help confirm whether a crown, a repair, or a different approach is the right next step. In some cases a single crown is not enough to restore a full smile. If you are missing one or more teeth, our team may recommend a dental bridge or dentures and partials to fill the gap and support normal chewing function.
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Comprehensive dental treatments with flexible financing options to make quality care affordable for everyone.
The Dental Crown Procedure
First Visit
Dr. Chin or Dr. Pharar numbs the tooth with local anesthesia, then removes any damaged or decayed tissue and shapes the tooth to accommodate the crown. An impression is taken and sent to a local dental lab to fabricate your custom crown.
Temporary Crown
A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while your permanent restoration is fabricated. You may feel pressure but not sharp pain during preparation, and mild sensitivity afterward is normal.
Second Visit
The temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite before being cemented in place, restoring the tooth's strength and appearance.
Getting a dental crown typically takes two visits, as outlined below.
Care and Maintenance of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns require the same care as your natural teeth to last for many years. Patients should brush and floss regularly, avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods, and wear a nightguard if they grind their teeth while sleeping. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings let our team catch a developing problem, such as a small gap at the crown’s edge, before it becomes a bigger one.
If a crown becomes loose or damaged, it should be checked by a dentist right away rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit. In some cases a loose crown can be re-cemented at little cost. If the crown itself is cracked or badly worn, it will likely need to be replaced.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer several benefits, including:
- Restoring the function of a damaged tooth so you can bite and chew normally again
- Improving the appearance of a cracked, discolored, or misshapen tooth
- Providing a durable, long-lasting restoration that can prevent the need for extraction
- Protecting a tooth that has already had a root canal or a large filling
Every treatment involves trade-offs, and crowns are no exception. Some of the drawbacks to be aware of include the following:
- A small amount of the natural tooth must be reshaped to make room for the crown
- Temporary sensitivity or discomfort in the days after preparation
- The possibility of the crown coming loose or becoming damaged over time
For patients who are unsure whether a crown is the right call, or who want a second opinion before committing to treatment, our team is happy to walk through the alternatives, including onlays or veneers for less extensively damaged teeth.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
Dental crowns typically cost between $900 and $1,700, providing both strength and beauty to a damaged or decayed tooth. The American Dental Association notes that a crown is one of the most common ways to protect a weak tooth, cover an implant, or anchor a bridge, which is why cost can vary widely depending on the situation.
Key Factors Affecting Crown Costs:
- Material Choice: Porcelain, zirconia, PFM, and metal crowns each have different price points.
- Tooth Location: Molars often require stronger, more durable crowns.
- Additional Procedures: Core build-ups or root canals can increase costs.
- Insurance Coverage: Many insurance plans partially cover crowns, but out-of-pocket costs can vary.
We offer flexible financing options through Alphaeon, CareCredit, and our in-office membership plan to make high-quality dental care more accessible, and we are happy to provide a written cost estimate before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns in Las Vegas, NV
What is a dental crown made of?
Dental crowns can be made from porcelain, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or metal alloys. Porcelain and zirconia are the most common choices for visible teeth because they closely match natural tooth color, while metal is typically reserved for back molars where strength matters more than appearance.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort. The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before any preparation begins, so you may feel pressure but not sharp pain. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days afterward is normal and typically resolves on its own.
How long does a dental crown last?
A dental crown typically lasts 10 to 30 years, and some can last a lifetime with proper care. Lifespan depends on the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and whether conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding) are present.
How many visits does a dental crown take?
Most dental crowns require two visits. The first visit prepares the tooth and places a temporary crown while your permanent crown is fabricated by a local dental lab. The second visit removes the temporary and cements the permanent crown in place.
Is a crown always the right choice, or could a veneer or onlay work instead?
Not always. A crown covers the entire visible tooth and is best for teeth that are cracked, badly decayed, or already weakened by a root canal or large filling. A veneer or onlay may be enough for less extensive damage. Dr. Chin and Dr. Pharar will examine the tooth and walk you through which option fits your situation, and we welcome second-opinion patients who want to confirm a treatment plan from another office.
Will my insurance cover a dental crown?
Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for crowns, especially when the crown is medically necessary. We accept most major insurance providers including Delta Dental, MetLife, CIGNA, and Anthem Blue Cross, and offer financing through Alphaeon and CareCredit for out-of-pocket costs.
Are You Interested in Las Vegas Dental Crowns?
Our Las Vegas dental office has been providing well-fitting, comfortable dental crowns for our community since 2017. Dr. Robert Chin and Dr. Jessica Pharar both completed advanced postdoctoral training, equipping them to handle complex cases and deliver results patients can count on. Dr. Pharar’s specialized training at the Sammons Cancer Center prepared her to work with patients facing unique medical challenges, while Dr. Chin’s General Practice Residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center provided extensive experience in prosthetic and restorative dentistry.
Understanding how a dental crown restores a damaged tooth can help you decide whether the procedure is right for you, and our team is always available to answer questions or provide a second opinion if you already have a treatment plan from another office. With proper care, a crown from Drs. Chin and Pharar Dentistry can protect your smile for many years to come. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
