A cracked, weakened, or heavily restored tooth may need more support than a filling can provide. Our dental team at Russo Family Dentistry & Aesthetics on Clearview Parkway in Metairie provides custom crowns to restore the tooth’s shape, protect the remaining structure, and support comfortable chewing.

After an exam and any needed X rays, your dentist will explain whether a crown or another treatment is the most appropriate option for your tooth.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers most or all of the visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape and chewing surface while helping protect the natural structure that remains.

Each crown is shaped and shaded to coordinate with the surrounding teeth. The material depends on the tooth’s location, your bite, how much healthy structure remains, and your cosmetic goals.

When Might You Need a Dental Crown?

A crown may be recommended when a tooth needs more support than a filling can provide but still has enough healthy structure to be restored. Common reasons include:

  • A cracked or fractured tooth
  • A large cavity that has weakened the tooth
  • A large or failing existing filling
  • Substantial wear from grinding, clenching, or erosion
  • A tooth that has had root canal therapy, particularly a back tooth or one with limited remaining structure
  • A broken or misshapen tooth
  • A dental implant that needs its final restoration
  • A tooth used to anchor a dental bridge

If you’ve broken a tooth suddenly or are in pain, don’t wait for a routine visit. See our emergency dental care page or call the office.

Not every damaged tooth needs a crown. Depending on the tooth’s condition, your dentist may discuss other options first.

Crowns vs. Fillings, Veneers, and Other Options

A filling repairs a smaller, contained area of damage, while a crown covers most or all of the visible tooth when the remaining structure needs reinforcement. A veneer covers only the front surface and is primarily cosmetic. If a tooth can’t be restored, extraction followed by an implant or bridge may be discussed.

The right choice depends on how much healthy structure remains, whether the tooth is cracked, the condition of any existing filling, and the chewing forces the tooth handles. Your dentist will examine the tooth before recommending treatment.

Types of Dental Crowns

Crowns can be made from several materials, and the right choice depends on the tooth being restored, the forces placed on it, and your cosmetic goals.

  • Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be shaded to blend with nearby teeth and are often considered for visible areas of the smile.
  • Zirconia crowns offer high strength and may be recommended for teeth that handle heavier chewing forces while still providing a tooth colored appearance.
  • Porcelain fused to metal crowns combine a metal base with a tooth colored surface, balancing strength and appearance.
  • Metal crowns may be considered where durability matters most and the tooth is less visible.

Your dentist will explain which options fit your tooth and why a particular material may be recommended.

Benefits of Restoring a Tooth With a Crown

A properly planned crown can:

  • Protect and support a weakened tooth
  • Restore a damaged chewing surface
  • Improve the shape and appearance of a broken or misshapen tooth
  • Restore the visible portion of a dental implant
  • Support a dental bridge
  • Reduce the risk of further fracture in an already weakened tooth

A crown cannot make a tooth indestructible. The supporting tooth and surrounding gums still need daily care and routine monitoring.

What to Expect During the Dental Crown Process

The exact steps and number of visits depend on the tooth’s condition, the material selected, and how the crown is made. Your dentist will explain the expected timeline at your exam. In general, the process includes:

Examination and Treatment Planning

Your dentist examines the tooth, evaluates your bite, and takes any necessary X rays or images to confirm the tooth can be restored and whether other treatment is needed first.

Preparing the Tooth

The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and the tooth is reshaped to create space for the crown. If the tooth has lost a large amount of structure, additional material may be placed to support the restoration.

Impression or Scan

A detailed record of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth is taken so the crown can be made to fit your bite.

Placing the Final Crown

Your dentist checks the crown’s fit, shape, appearance, and contact with neighboring teeth, then secures it using the method appropriate for the material. We check and adjust the bite so the crown fits comfortably with the surrounding teeth.

Mild sensitivity can occur after treatment. Contact the office if discomfort worsens, the bite feels uneven, or the crown feels loose.

Nervous about dental treatment? Let us know when you schedule so our team can discuss what may help you feel more comfortable during your visit.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can last for many years, but there is no fixed lifespan. Longevity depends on the crown material, the condition of the supporting tooth, oral hygiene, bite forces, grinding habits, and regular dental care.

Caring for Your Crown

A crowned tooth still needs daily attention:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss or use a recommended tool to clean around the crown’s edges
  • Avoid chewing ice and other very hard objects
  • Do not use your teeth to open packages
  • Wear a night guard if one is recommended for grinding or clenching
  • Keep up with routine exams and cleanings

Contact the office if the crown feels loose, breaks, or changes your bite.

Cost of Dental Crowns

The cost of a dental crown varies with the material used, the condition of the tooth, and whether other treatment is needed first. Contact our office to discuss cost and any insurance questions before your visit.

Dental Crowns From Our Metairie Dental Team

Russo Family Dentistry & Aesthetics was founded by Dr. Nicole Russo, a Kenner native who earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from LSU School of Dentistry. The Metairie team explains treatment options, answers patient questions, and plans each restoration based on the condition of the tooth, the bite, and appearance.

The office is located at 4520 Clearview Parkway in Metairie. See our contact page for current office hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

A filling repairs a smaller part of the tooth. A crown may be recommended when a larger portion has been weakened or damaged. An exam and any necessary X rays determine which is appropriate.

Local anesthetic is typically used to numb the area. You may feel pressure or vibration during treatment, but sharp pain is not expected. Mild sensitivity may occur afterward and often improves within a few days. Contact the office if discomfort is severe, worsens, or does not improve.

It depends on the tooth and how the crown is made. Some crowns are completed in a single visit, while others require a second appointment after the crown is made. Your dentist will explain the expected timeline at your exam.

There is no fixed lifespan. Longevity depends on the material, the supporting tooth, oral hygiene, bite forces, grinding habits, diet, and routine dental care.

Yes. The crown itself does not decay, but the natural tooth near the crown’s edge can. Daily brushing, cleaning between the teeth, and regular dental visits remain essential.

Not every root canal treated tooth needs the same restoration. Crowns are commonly recommended for back teeth and other root canal treated teeth with limited remaining structure. The recommendation depends on the tooth’s location, condition, and chewing forces.

A crown may protect and support some cracked teeth, but some cracks extend too deeply for a crown to predictably restore the tooth. Your dentist will assess the tooth through a clinical examination and any necessary imaging or tests.

Yes. Crowns are used on front and back teeth. Material, shade, shape, and bite considerations differ by location.

Contact the office promptly. Keep the crown if you can find it, avoid chewing on that tooth, and do not try to secure it with household glue. Your dentist needs to examine both the crown and the supporting tooth.

Avoid sticky, chewy, and very hard foods, and chew on the opposite side when possible. Follow any specific instructions your dentist gives you.

Request a Dental Crown Evaluation in Metairie

A cracked, weakened, or heavily restored tooth should be examined before the damage spreads. Schedule a visit at Russo Family Dentistry & Aesthetics to learn whether a crown or another restoration is right for your tooth. We serve adult patients in Metairie, Kenner, and surrounding Greater New Orleans communities.

Make An Appointment

Are you ready to achieve a
healthy, beautiful smile?

Our friendly team is ready to accommodate your scheduling preferences and find the most convenient time for your visit. Whether you are due for a routine check-up, in need of a cosmetic consultation, or seeking specialized dental care, we have you covered.