The Complete Guide to Dental Crowns

If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you’re not alone. Dental crowns are one of the most common and effective treatments used to restore, protect, and enhance damaged or vulnerable teeth. At VIDA Dental Studio in Santa Fe, we provide custom crowns using advanced technology, precision techniques, and a personalized approach that reflects our city’s unique blend of beauty and function.

Our practice combines clinical excellence with an artistic sensibility, helping patients achieve natural-looking results that feel as good as they look. “We believe that restorative dentistry should never feel like a compromise,” says Dr. Devin Giron, DDS. “A well-made crown shouldn’t be easy to distinguish from your natural teeth.”

Whether your tooth has been fractured, worn down, or treated with a root canal, a dental crown can be a smart long-term investment in your smile.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-fabricated caps that are placed over damaged, decayed, or compromised teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. Unlike fillings, which repair smaller areas, crowns fully encase the visible portion of a tooth above the gumline, providing structural reinforcement and protection.

At VIDA Dental Studio, we recommend crowns when a tooth has:

• Extensive decay that cannot be restored with a filling alone
• Cracks or fractures that compromise structural integrity
• Undergone root canal therapy and needs reinforcement
• Large fillings that are failing or breaking down
• Cosmetic concerns, such as severe discoloration or irregular shape

Crowns can also be used as the final restoration for dental implants, bringing back function and aesthetics.

Types of Dental Crowns: Choosing the Right Material

Not all crowns are created equal. At VIDA Dental Studio, we offer a range of materials tailored to your clinical needs, cosmetic goals, and budget.

Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns

These are ideal for front teeth, where appearance matters most. Porcelain mimics the translucency and light-reflecting properties of natural enamel, making it a popular choice for patients seeking a seamless aesthetic result. Ceramic crowns offer a similar benefit with the added advantage of being metal-free, which is especially helpful for those with sensitivities.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia has become increasingly popular for its impressive combination of strength and aesthetics. It’s particularly well-suited for back molars where more pressure is applied during chewing. We often recommend monolithic zirconia for durability or layered zirconia for a more lifelike look.

Metal Crowns (Gold and Alloys)

Though less common today for visible teeth, metal crowns (especially gold alloys) are incredibly durable and gentle on opposing teeth. They remain a solid choice for patients with heavy bite force or a history of clenching or grinding, particularly on posterior teeth.

Temporary Crowns

These are placed while your traditional final crown is being fabricated. While not as durable or polished as a permanent crown, they protect the prepared tooth and maintain comfort and function during the interim.

Same-Day Crowns

At VIDA Dental Studio, we offer both traditional crowns and same-day crowns. In the case of same-day crowns, we can design, create, and place your custom crown in one visit. While same-day crowns aren’t right for every case, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each option and recommend the best choice for your needs.

The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect at VIDA Dental Studio

Your experience begins with a comprehensive exam, where Dr. Giron assesses your tooth and surrounding structures using digital X-rays and intraoral imaging. Once we determine a crown is the right treatment, we proceed with the following steps:

1. Tooth Preparation: We carefully reshape your tooth by removing the necessary amount of tooth structure (typically 1.5-2mm all around) to accommodate the crown thickness while maintaining proper fit and function.
2. Digital or Physical Impressions: We capture a detailed mold of your tooth, either with a digital scanner or traditional impression material, which guides the custom crown fabrication.
3. Temporary Crown Placement: You’ll leave your first visit with a temporary crown that protects the tooth while your permanent one is made by a trusted dental lab. With same-day crowns, this step isn’t necessary.
4. Final Placement: Once your custom crown is created (in about two weeks for traditional crowns), we’ll remove the temporary crown if needed, check the fit and shade, and bond the new crown in place using a high-strength dental adhesive.

We’ll fine-tune the bite and polish the restoration to match your natural teeth, so you can leave smiling confidently.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer both functional and cosmetic benefits, making them one of the most versatile tools in restorative dentistry. They can:

• Reinforce weakened or cracked teeth, preventing further damage
• Improve chewing efficiency and protect underlying tooth structure
• Enhance smile aesthetics by covering discoloration or irregular shapes
• Provide long-term protection following root canal treatment
• Restore dental implants or anchor bridges

When placed correctly and maintained well, crowns can last as long as 10–15 years or more.

Cost of Dental Crowns in Santa Fe

Crown pricing in Santa Fe typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,600 per tooth, depending on the material chosen, tooth location, and whether additional procedures are needed (like buildup or root canal therapy).

Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for crowns deemed necessary for oral health. At VIDA Dental Studio, we’re happy to help you verify your benefits, explore financing options, and work within your budget to ensure you get the care you need without surprises.

Caring for Your Dental Crown: Maintenance Matters

Just like natural teeth, crowns require daily care and professional monitoring. Here’s how you could extend the life of your restoration:

• Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss gently around the crown to prevent plaque buildup at the margin
• Avoid biting hard objects like pens, ice, or unpopped popcorn kernels
• Wear a nightguard if you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping
• Visit us at least twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings

Santa Fe’s high desert climate can lead to dry mouth in some patients, especially those hiking, skiing, or spending time outdoors. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acid and protecting enamel, so staying hydrated plays a bigger role in crown longevity than you might think.

Potential Problems and Complications with Dental Crowns

While dental crowns are highly successful, no restoration is without potential complications. Some common issues include:

• Tooth Sensitivity: Especially to hot or cold temperatures in the days after placement
• Loose Crown: Often caused by weakened cement or decay at the margins
• Chipping or Fracture: Usually due to biting hard objects or untreated grinding
• Gum Irritation: Particularly if the crown is over-contoured or if oral hygiene is lacking

The good news? Most issues are preventable with proper care and are easily resolved if addressed early. Let us know right away if you notice discomfort, pressure, or anything that doesn’t feel right.

Dental Crowns vs. Alternatives: What’s the Best Fit?

While crowns are often the best choice for teeth that are structurally compromised, alternatives like onlays, inlays, veneers, or large composite fillings may be viable in certain cases.

For example:

• Onlays or inlays are excellent for molars with moderate damage where full coverage isn’t needed.
• Veneers may be appropriate if the concern is purely cosmetic and the tooth is otherwise healthy.
• Bonding or fillings can work for smaller cavities or chips but lack the reinforcement of a crown.

We’ll help you weigh all your options and make an informed choice based on your dental health and long-term goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

How long do crowns last?
With proper care, most crowns last 10–15 years or longer.

Does it hurt to get a crown?
We use modern anesthetics and gentle techniques to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Most patients experience minimal soreness, if any.

Can I whiten my crown later?
No, crowns don’t respond to whitening treatments. If you’re considering teeth whitening, we recommend doing it before placing your crown so we can match it to your desired shade.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns at VIDA Dental Studio in Santa Fe

Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, post-root canal needs, or simply want to upgrade an aging filling, dental crowns offer a reliable, aesthetic solution. At VIDA Dental Studio, we blend science, precision, and artistry to restore your teeth with durable, natural-looking results.

Our team is proud to serve Santa Fe with integrity, warmth, and clinical excellence. Request your appointment online or give us a call today. 

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.