Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Dental Crowns in London, Ontario
A dental crown, often called a cap, covers the whole visible part of a tooth. It holds a weak or broken tooth together, protects it from cracking further, and restores its shape and colour so you can chew normally again.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry we make many crowns the same day with CEREC: we scan, design and mill a ceramic crown in our office, so you leave with your permanent crown after one appointment. When a lab-made crown is the better choice, we’ll explain why.
When you might need a crown
We usually recommend a crown when a tooth:
- has a large filling that is breaking down or has broken
- is cracked, or has a piece broken off
- has lost a lot of structure to decay
- has had a root canal, especially a back tooth, which becomes more brittle afterwards
- is badly worn from grinding
- is discoloured or misshapen and other options, such as bonding or a veneer, won’t hold up
Crowns are also used on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, and as the anchors of a dental bridge.
Crown or filling?
A filling replaces a small part of a tooth and relies on the tooth around it for strength. Once a large share of a tooth is missing or cracked, a big filling can act like a wedge and split what’s left. A crown wraps around the tooth instead, holding it together. We’ll show you on an intraoral camera image or x-ray why we recommend one or the other.
Same-day CEREC crowns
- Freezing and preparation. We numb the tooth, remove decay or old filling material, and shape the tooth so the crown fits over it.
- Digital scan. Instead of a tray of impression material, we take a quick 3D scan with a small handheld camera. See digital impressions.
- Design. We design the crown on screen to fit your tooth and bite and to match the shape of your other teeth.
- Milling. Our in-office milling machine carves the crown from a solid block of tooth-coloured ceramic while you relax.
- Fitting. We adjust and polish the crown, check your bite and bond it in place.
Why patients like it: one appointment, one round of freezing, no temporary crown to come loose, and a natural, tooth-coloured result.
When a lab-made crown is better
Most single crowns can be made the same day. Some cases, such as certain bridges, complex bites, or teeth that need other treatment first, are better made by an outside dental lab. That takes two visits a couple of weeks apart: we prepare the tooth, scan it and fit a temporary crown at the first, then cement the final crown at the second.
Crown materials
- Ceramic (porcelain or lithium disilicate): tooth-coloured and strong, used for most front and back teeth, and for same-day CEREC crowns.
- Zirconia: very strong ceramic, often chosen for back teeth or patients who grind.
- Gold or other metal alloys: very durable and gentle on opposing teeth, but not tooth-coloured. Sometimes used on back molars.
We’ll recommend a material based on where the tooth is, how you bite and how it should look.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is frozen, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Afterwards your gum may be a little sore for a day or two, and the tooth can feel sensitive to cold for a short while. If you are nervous, ask about nitrous oxide or other sedation options and our gentler computer-controlled freezing.
Caring for your crown
A crown can’t get a cavity, but the tooth underneath can, especially along the edge at the gum line. To make it last:
- brush twice a day and floss daily, including around the crown
- keep up your regular check-ups and cleanings
- avoid chewing ice, pens or very hard candy
- wear a night guard if you grind or clench
With good care, crowns commonly last many years. Call us if a crown feels loose, your bite feels “high”, or the tooth starts to hurt.
Cost and coverage
Crowns are usually covered in part by dental plans as a major service, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers crowns in some situations. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide. We check your coverage, bill your plan directly where we can, and give you the cost before treatment. See financial arrangements and CDCP at our office.
Common questions
How long does a same-day crown appointment take?
Usually about two to three hours, including the time for designing and milling the crown while you relax.
Will my crown match my other teeth?
Yes. We choose the shade and shape to match your neighbouring teeth. If you plan to whiten, do it first, because crowns don’t change colour.
Can a crown fall off?
Rarely. If it does, keep it and call us. We can often re-cement it the same day.
Do I need a root canal before a crown?
Not usually. A root canal is only needed if the nerve inside the tooth is infected or badly damaged.
Book a crown consultation in London
Have a cracked tooth, a large old filling or a broken crown? New patients are welcome; see new patients. We’re open six days a week, with evenings until 9 pm on weekdays. Book online or call 226-884-2573 and ask whether a same-day crown is an option for you. If a tooth has broken and hurts, see emergency dental care.
Part of our restorative dentistry services in London, Ontario. See all dental services.