If your dentist has recommended a crown, it is natural to have questions before moving forward. How long will it actually last? Will the procedure hurt? Is it the same thing as a cap? Below, we answer the questions patients ask most about dental crowns, using guidance from the Cleveland Clinic.
At Forest Smiles in Forest, Virginia, Dr. Shane Claiborne, Dr. Emma Schmidt, and Dr. Maysa Nasir help patients throughout Lynchburg, Bedford, and Amherst County understand exactly what a crown involves, so there are no surprises before treatment begins.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Actually Last?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most crowns last between five and 15 years with proper care, though many last considerably longer. Porcelain and ceramic crowns typically fall in that five-to-15-year range, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns often last 10 to 15 years, and metal crowns can sometimes last 20 years or more.
With excellent home care and regular checkups, some crowns last 20 to 30 years. The material matters, but so does everyday behavior, including how hard you bite down, whether you grind your teeth, and how consistently you keep up with brushing and flossing.
Does Getting a Crown Hurt?
Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure itself, since the area is numbed beforehand, similar to getting a filling. Some mild soreness or sensitivity in the days after the appointment is common, especially around the gumline, but this typically resolves within a few days.
If you experience sharp or persistent pain well after your appointment, that is worth calling your dentist about, since it could mean the bite needs a small adjustment.
What’s the Difference Between a Crown and a Cap?
There isn’t one. “Crown” and “cap” refer to the exact same restoration, a covering that fits over the entire visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, and function.
“Cap” is simply the more casual, older term that many patients still use, while “crown” is the term used clinically. If your dentist says you need a crown, that is the same thing as what many people still call a cap.
Can a Crown Fall Off?
It is uncommon, but it can happen, usually because the cement holding the crown in place has worn down over time, or because the tooth underneath has developed new decay that changes the fit.
Chewing on very hard foods, ice, or non-food objects can also loosen a crown prematurely. If your crown comes loose or falls off, avoid chewing on that side, keep the crown if you can, and call your dentist promptly, since the exposed tooth underneath needs to be protected and evaluated.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
Cost varies based on the material used, the location of the tooth, and whether any additional work, such as a root canal, is needed beforehand. Rather than guessing, the most reliable way to get an accurate number is a consultation and exam, since pricing depends heavily on your specific situation and insurance coverage.
Forest Smiles offers financing options to help make treatment more manageable regardless of the final cost.
Can You Still Get a Cavity Under a Crown?
Yes, and this is one of the most overlooked aspects of crown care. A crown covers and protects the visible part of a tooth, but the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth is still vulnerable to decay if plaque builds up there.
This is why brushing and flossing around a crowned tooth matters just as much as it does for your natural teeth, and why regular checkups remain important even after a crown is placed.
How Forest Smiles Handles Crown Placement
Dr. Claiborne, Dr. Schmidt, and Dr. Nasir start with a thorough evaluation of the damaged tooth to determine whether a crown is truly the right solution, or whether a filling, bonding, or another treatment would serve you better.
When a crown is the right call, we walk you through material options based on the location of the tooth, your bite, and your aesthetic goals, then make sure the fit is precise so the margin around your natural tooth stays protected. Follow-up checkups let us catch any early wear or decay around the crown before it becomes a bigger problem.
A well-placed crown can protect a damaged tooth for well over a decade, but getting the material, fit, and aftercare right makes all the difference.
If you have questions about whether a crown is right for you, Dr. Claiborne, Dr. Schmidt, and Dr. Nasir at Forest Smiles are ready to help. Call 434-944-9763 or request an appointment online to schedule your exam.