Dental Crowns

Protecting and Restoring Your Natural Teeth

A dental crown is one of the most versatile and trusted restorations in modern dentistry. Designed to completely cap or encase a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth, a crown restores the tooth's original shape, size, strength, and appearance — allowing you to bite, chew, and smile with complete confidence. At Long Lake Family Dentistry, we combine advanced digital technology with the highest-quality materials to create crowns that look and feel entirely natural.

Dental crown restoration at Long Lake Family Dentistry

Our dentists use precision digital imaging to design and fit crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural smile.

Teeth can become damaged through many circumstances — deep cavities that can no longer be treated with a filling alone, cracks or fractures from injury or biting pressure, significant wear from grinding, failed or oversized old restorations, or the need to protect a tooth following root canal therapy. In all of these situations, a well-crafted dental crown provides the structural reinforcement necessary to preserve the natural tooth rather than resorting to extraction. Keeping your natural tooth is always our first priority, and a crown is often the ideal solution to make that possible.

Beyond their protective function, crowns are also a powerful cosmetic tool. Severely discoloured, misshapen, or structurally compromised teeth can be dramatically transformed with a porcelain or zirconia crown that is precisely shade-matched to the surrounding teeth. The result is a restoration that is virtually indistinguishable from the natural tooth beside it — not just functional, but genuinely beautiful.

Types of Crowns We Offer

All-Porcelain Crowns

The most aesthetic option, ideal for front teeth. Translucent and natural-looking, they mimic the light-reflecting qualities of real enamel perfectly.

Strongest

Zirconia Crowns

Exceptionally strong and biocompatible, zirconia crowns are ideal for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces while still offering an excellent appearance.

Traditional

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal

A time-tested option combining the strength of a metal core with a porcelain exterior. Durable and reliable for both front and back teeth.

Long-Lasting

Gold & Metal Alloy

Highly durable and biocompatible, metal crowns require minimal tooth reduction and are exceptionally long-lasting — preferred by some patients for back molars.

The Benefits of Dental Crowns

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Protects and strengthens weakened teeth

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Restores a natural, beautiful appearance

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Preserves your natural tooth structure

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Long-lasting — up to 15 years or more

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Fully restores biting and chewing function

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Boosts confidence with a seamless smile

What to Expect During Your Crown Procedure

Consultation & Examination

We begin with a thorough examination, including digital X-rays, to assess the health of the tooth and surrounding bone structure and confirm that a crown is the right solution for you.

Tooth Preparation

The tooth is gently reshaped under local anaesthetic to create space for the crown. Any damaged or decayed material is removed, and the tooth is built up as needed to provide an ideal foundation.

Digital Impressions

Using precise digital scanning technology, we capture a detailed 3D impression of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This eliminates messy traditional moulds and ensures an extremely accurate fit.

Temporary Crown Placement

A custom temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth and maintain your appearance and function while your permanent crown is expertly crafted at our dental laboratory.

Permanent Crown Fitting

At your second appointment, your permanent crown is carefully checked for fit, bite, and colour match before being permanently cemented into place. We make any fine adjustments to ensure your complete comfort.

With proper care — regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits — a well-placed crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Our team will provide you with clear, practical guidance on how to care for your crown so it continues to serve you beautifully for years to come.

If you have a tooth that is cracked, heavily filled, or causing you concern, don't wait for the problem to worsen. The sooner a damaged tooth is protected with a crown, the better the long-term outcome. Contact Long Lake Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation — we'll help you understand all your options and find the solution that's right for your smile and your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dental crown last? +

With proper care, a dental crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years — and often longer. The lifespan depends on the material used, where the crown is in your mouth, your bite, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. Porcelain-fused-to-metal and zirconia crowns are among the most durable options available today.

Does getting a crown hurt? +

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you should feel comfortable throughout. Some sensitivity is normal after the anaesthetic wears off and while wearing the temporary crown — this typically resolves once the permanent crown is placed. If you experience significant or prolonged pain, contact us and we'll assess the fit.

How many appointments does it take to get a crown? +

A traditional crown requires two appointments: the first to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and the second (usually 2–3 weeks later) to place the permanent crown. A temporary crown is worn in between. Some practices offer same-day CEREC crowns, though our process ensures a precise, lab-crafted restoration for optimal fit and aesthetics.

What is the difference between a crown and a veneer? +

A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth and is used purely for cosmetic improvements — it's thin and requires minimal tooth removal. A crown covers the entire tooth and is used when the tooth is structurally compromised, severely decayed, cracked, or following a root canal. Crowns provide full protection; veneers provide a cosmetic enhancement.

Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity? +

The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth underneath it can — particularly at the margin where the crown meets the gum line. This is why maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing around crowned teeth, is just as important as with natural teeth. Regular checkups allow us to catch any issues early.

Is a dental crown covered by insurance? +

Dental crowns are typically classified as a major restorative procedure and are covered at 50–80% by most insurance plans after your deductible. Coverage may depend on the reason for the crown and whether it is deemed medically necessary. We recommend verifying your benefits before your appointment — our team is happy to help with this.

What materials are dental crowns made from? +

The most common crown materials are porcelain (all-ceramic), porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and zirconia. All-ceramic and zirconia crowns offer the best aesthetics and are ideal for front teeth. PFM crowns are strong and durable — well-suited for back teeth. We'll recommend the best material based on the tooth's location, your bite, and your goals.

What happens if I don't get a crown when recommended? +

A tooth that needs a crown but doesn't receive one is at significant risk of cracking further — sometimes to the point where it can no longer be saved and must be extracted. It may also break while eating, which is both painful and more difficult to treat. Addressing the problem early with a crown is almost always the most conservative and cost-effective approach.