Two dental professionals at a dental office in Brookline, MA, wearing black scrubs, masks, and safety goggles, are performing a procedure in a modern clinical setting.

When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but still worth saving, a dental crown is one of the most effective and lasting restorative solutions available. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, severe decay, or need to protect a tooth following a root canal, advanced technology now makes this process faster and simpler. 

At Longwood Dental Group, restorative and cosmetic dentistry are our specialties. Our team of Prosthodontists is a skilled group of experts in restoring the health, function, and beauty of your smile, all under one roof at our Brookline office on Beacon Street. With over 40 years of experience and a reputation for handling some of the most complex cases in the region, we are a trusted destination for patients throughout the Boston area. Our team will guide you through every step of the process with the individualized attention our patients have come to expect.

Dr. Gordon working on a dental crown.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made restorations that cap or cover a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. They are prescribed for a wide range of dental concerns, including badly decayed teeth, broken or cracked teeth that can’t be fully restored with a dental filling, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, and teeth that require additional support for a dental bridge. Crowns are also placed on dental implants to replace missing teeth.

What Are Dental Crowns Made From?

Dental crowns can be fabricated from several materials, depending on the location of the tooth and your needs. Options include:

  • All-gold crowns, known for their durability
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which combine strength with a natural appearance
  • All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns, which offer the most lifelike aesthetic

Thanks to advances in dental materials and technology, today’s all-ceramic crowns are both beautiful and exceptionally strong. Our team at Longwood Dental Group selects materials based on what will deliver the best long-term outcome for you, never on what’s fastest or cheapest.

How Are Dental Crowns Created?

The crown fabrication process begins with tooth preparation. The affected tooth is shaped by removing a layer of surface structure to make room for the crown. An impression or digital scan is then taken to ensure a precise, custom fit. The crown is then fabricated right here in our in-house dental laboratory using CEREC technology before being permanently cemented onto your prepared tooth.

What Issues Do Dental Crowns Fix?

Dental crowns are a versatile restorative solution. They are commonly used to:

  • Restore teeth following root canal treatments
  • Support dental bridges by anchoring them to adjacent teeth
  • Address severely decayed, discolored, or structurally compromised teeth
  • Improve the appearance of misshapen or heavily stained teeth that have not responded to other treatments
  • Cover dental implants as part of a complete tooth replacement

What Should I Expect at My Dental Crown Consultation?

During your dental crown consultation at Longwood Dental Group, you can expect a thorough examination of the affected tooth, digital X-rays as needed, and a detailed discussion of your treatment options and timeline. Our doctors take the time to explain every step of the process so you have the full understanding needed to make an informed decision.

Creating a dental crown - diagram of process

The Dental Crown Process

A traditional dental crown procedure typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is crafted. At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is fitted and bonded into place. This is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the treatment area. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure itself. Some mild sensitivity following the appointment is normal and typically resolves quickly. 

For patients who qualify, Longwood Dental Group also offers same-day crowns through our CEREC technology, which uses digital scanning to design and mill a permanent crown in a single visit. The results are not only faster but also stronger, precisely fitted, and aesthetically beautiful.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper care, a high-quality dental crown can last many years. The lifespan of a crown depends on the material used, the amount of wear and tear the tooth experiences, and how well the patient maintains oral hygiene. To get the most out of your crown, avoid habits such as chewing ice, biting your fingernails, using your teeth to open packaging, or grinding and clenching your teeth.

What Is the Average Cost of a Dental Crown in Brookline, MA?

Several factors contribute to the final cost of a dental crown, including the location of the tooth, the material selected, the complexity of the case, and whether any preparatory treatments are needed all play a role in determining the overall cost.

At Longwood Dental Group, our fees for dental crowns range from $2,450 to $3,090 without insurance. For patients with dental insurance, the out-of-pocket cost typically ranges between $1,200 and $1,600, depending on your plan.

What Influences the Cost of a Dental Crown?

Crown material impacts the costs. Porcelain crowns are a higher-quality, longer-lasting option and are generally priced higher than traditional metal crowns. Additionally, teeth in areas that endure heavy chewing pressure may require a sturdier crown material, another factor that influences what you will pay.

What Additional Services Can Affect Dental Crown Pricing?

In some cases, other dental treatments may be needed before a crown can be placed. Procedures such as a root canal, gum disease treatment, or a bone graft can range from $500 to $3,200 and will add to the overall treatment cost. Our team will provide a comprehensive breakdown of any recommended services at your consultation, so there are no surprises.

For patients who need a full tooth replacement, dental implants combined with an implant crown offer a permanent, natural-looking solution. The cost of an implant crown is separate from the implant itself, and the total investment will depend on your specific needs and the services recommended at your consultation.

Schedule Your Appointment with Longwood Dental Group in Brookline, MA

For patients who want exceptional restorative dental care from a practice that has served the Brookline and Boston communities for over 40 years, Longwood Dental Group delivers. Our clinicians, including faculty affiliated with Harvard, bring an unmatched level of expertise to every case, and our in-house dental lab allows us to maintain the highest standards of quality from start to finish. We also speak 8 languages and offer extended hours on certain days to help you get the care you need.

Ready to restore your smile? Contact our Brookline dental office today to schedule your dental crown consultation.