
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t need to be removed, a dental crown offers the ideal solution. A tooth crown is a custom-made “cap” that fits over your existing tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. At Schultz Family Dental, Dr. Schultz creates dental crowns that look and feel like your natural teeth—so you can smile, chew, and speak with complete confidence.
Whether you have a damaged tooth, or are unhappy with the appearance of a tooth, Dr. Schultz and her team will talk with you to determine your individual treatment needs, and will work with you to restore your beautiful smile!
Do I Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown can help to restore a tooth to its normal size, shape, and function.
Patients may need a crown if they:
- Have a cavity that is too large for a filling
- Have a missing tooth and require a bridge
- Have a cracked or weakened tooth
- Have had a root canal
- Wish to cover a discolored tooth
- Need to cover a dental implant
For children, dental crowns can be used on baby teeth to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay, or to protect teeth that are at high risk for decay.
Dental Crown Materials: Which Is Right for You?
Dental crowns can be crafted from several materials, each with unique advantages:
- Porcelain Crowns — The most popular choice for visible teeth, porcelain crowns provide the most natural appearance. They’re an excellent option for front teeth and patients who prioritize aesthetics.
- Ceramic Crowns — Similar to porcelain, all-ceramic crowns offer exceptional beauty and are metal-free—ideal for patients with metal sensitivities.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns — These combine the strength of a metal interior with the natural look of a porcelain exterior, offering a balance of durability and aesthetics.
- Metal Alloy Crowns — Made from gold or other alloys, metal crowns are extremely durable and require less tooth removal. They’re often recommended for back teeth where strength is essential.
At Schultz Family Dental, we aim to create a crown that looks natural and feels comfortable. To decide on the material that is right for your crown, we will consider the location of the tooth, the gum tissue position, the color of the tooth, and if the tooth shows when you smile. To decide on the material that is right for your dental crown, we will consider the location of the tooth, the gum tissue position, the color of the tooth, and whether the tooth shows when you smile.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect During Treatment
Visit One: Preparation
At your first visit, x-rays will be taken to check the root(s) of the tooth and surrounding bone to be sure the tooth is healthy enough for a tooth crown. We will then administer local anesthesia around the tooth to ensure that your appointment is comfortable and pain-free! Any decay or compromised tooth structure will then be removed and replaced with a material that will be used to support your new crown. From there, your tooth will then be shaped to make room for the crown and a digital scan of the tooth will be taken. This scan is immediately received by our dental lab, where your custom dental crown will be created. Using a digital scan for this procedure ensures you’ll receive your new crown quickly. While it’s being made, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth.
Visit Two: Permanent Placement
At your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and your new permanent dental crown will be placed. Dr. Schultz will check the fit, adjust your bite as needed, and cement the crown securely in place. You will then be able to enjoy your new smile with confidence!
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Why do patients choose dental crowns at Schultz Family Dental?
- Restores Full Function — Eat, chew, and speak normally again with a tooth crown that functions like your natural tooth
- Protects Weakened Teeth — Dental crowns prevent further damage to cracked, decayed, or root canal-treated teeth
- Long-Lasting Results — With proper care, a tooth crown can last 10–15 years or longer
- Natural Appearance — Modern porcelain and ceramic crowns are color-matched to blend seamlessly with your smile
- Preserves Your Natural Tooth — Unlike extraction, a dental crown allows you to keep your natural tooth root intact
- Versatile Solution — Crowns address both functional damage and cosmetic concerns in one restoration
Caring For Your Dental Crown
Your dental crown is designed to last for many years with proper care. Here’s how to protect your investment:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the gum line around your crown
- Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth and around the crown
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, hard candy, or pen caps that could crack your tooth crown
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth to prevent damage to your crown
- Visit Schultz Family Dental regularly for checkups and professional cleanings
With proper oral hygiene and routine dental care, many dental crowns last 15 years or more.

What Patients Are Saying
“Dr Shultz & her entire staff are very professional & knowledgeable. The office culture they have established truly eases the nervousness of going to the dentist. I HIGHLY recommend them.”
– Tim

FAQs
With proper care, a tooth crown may last 10–15 years, and sometimes even longer. Factors like your oral hygiene habits, diet, and whether or not you grind your teeth can affect longevity.
The dental crown procedure is performed with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Some patients experience mild sensitivity for a few days afterward, which typically resolves on its own.
A dental crown covers and protects a single damaged tooth. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to dental crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth or implants.
Absolutely. We use high-quality porcelain and ceramic materials that are custom-shaded to match your natural teeth. Most people can’t tell the difference between a crown and a natural tooth.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence
If you think you might benefit from a dental crown, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. If you have any questions before booking, please contact us. We’re happy to walk you through the process and help you feel fully prepared. See our crowns smile gallery here.

