Dental crowns in North Raleigh
Restore strength, protection, and natural appearance
A dental crown provides full coverage when a tooth needs more support because of decay, a fracture, or limited remaining natural structure around an existing restoration. Dr. Scanlan plans each crown conservatively, preserving healthy tooth structure while restoring function and a natural appearance.
Request a Crown Evaluation
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the visible portion of a damaged tooth. It restores the tooth's shape and chewing surface while protecting structure that may no longer be strong enough to support a filling.
A crown may be recommended for a large cavity, a cracked or fractured tooth, a tooth with multiple previous repairs, a root-canal-treated tooth, or a tooth that will support a bridge. Crowns are also used to restore dental implants after implant placement and healing are completed by a specialist.
Why This Service Matters
Restorative care should solve the current problem while protecting healthy tooth structure and supporting dependable long-term function.
Reinforce a Weakened Tooth
Full coverage helps protect a tooth when decay, a fracture, or limited remaining natural structure makes a filling unsuitable.
Restore Comfortable Function
A carefully shaped chewing surface and adjusted bite help the restored tooth function comfortably with the teeth around it.
Choose the Appropriate Treatment
Dr. Scanlan compares a filling, crown, or replacement based on remaining tooth structure, symptoms, bite forces, and long-term outlook.
Restoration Options
The appropriate design depends on the amount of healthy tooth structure, available support, bite forces, appearance, maintenance, and long-term outlook.
Temporary Crowns
A temporary crown made from acrylic-based resin or composite material protects the prepared tooth between visits while the dental laboratory makes the final restoration.
Permanent Ceramic Crowns
Permanent crowns are made from ceramic materials, often called porcelain, selected for strength and a natural appearance. Shade and shape are planned to blend with the surrounding teeth.
How We Provide This Service
We explain the purpose of each step and confirm the plan before treatment begins.
1) Evaluate the Tooth
Dr. Scanlan examines the tooth, surrounding gums, bite, previous dental work, and appropriate images before recommending full coverage.
2) Prepare and Record
The tooth is shaped conservatively, preserving healthy structure while creating room for the crown, and detailed records are sent to the laboratory.
3) Protect with a Temporary
A temporary crown protects the tooth and maintains function while the permanent crown is being made.
4) Seat the Crown
At the second visit, the crown is checked for fit, color, contacts, and bite before final placement.
What to Expect During Crown Treatment
Most crowns are completed over two visits. The first appointment typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes and includes tooth preparation and placement of a temporary crown. The second visit is usually shorter, often around 30 minutes, when the permanent crown is seated.
If root canal treatment is needed first, that care is provided by a specialist between the restorative visits. After the specialist completes treatment, you return to our office so Dr. Scanlan can protect and restore the tooth with the planned crown.
Care Between Visits
Daily cleaning and timely follow-up help protect the restoration and the natural teeth that support it.
Brush at the Crown Margin
The crown cannot decay, but the natural tooth at its edge can. Careful brushing helps protect the margin where the restoration meets the tooth.
Clean Between Teeth
Floss or use another recommended interdental tool daily to support the gums and neighboring teeth.
Avoid Damaging Forces
Do not use crowned teeth to open packages or bite hard objects. A nightguard may be recommended when grinding or clenching places the restoration at risk.
Related Care
Use these pages to compare connected services and understand where each option fits.
Dental Fillings
Explore Dental Fillings →Dental Bridges
Explore Dental Bridges →Implant Restorations
Explore Implant Restorations →Frequently Asked Questions
Open any question for an answer from the current Scanlan Family Dentistry service page.
What are permanent crowns made of?
Permanent crowns are made from ceramic materials, often referred to as porcelain. These materials are designed to provide strength and a natural appearance.
How long do crowns last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, crowns can last many years. Longevity depends on bite forces, oral habits, and overall dental health.
Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?
Yes. While the crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth underneath can still develop decay at the margins if oral hygiene is neglected.
What should I do if an existing crown feels loose?
Contact our office promptly if an existing crown feels loose. Crowns are bonded or cemented in place, but wear over time or excessive force can affect their retention. We will examine the crown and supporting tooth to determine what care is appropriate.
Does dental insurance cover crowns?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for crowns when they are medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan, and our team can help review your benefits prior to treatment.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that fully covers a damaged tooth to restore its strength, shape, and function.
How do I know if I need a crown instead of a filling?
If too much of the tooth is weakened or missing, a filling may not be strong enough to last. In those cases, a crown provides full coverage and better long-term protection. Read more about when a tooth needs a crown instead of a filling and the findings behind that recommendation.
How long does it take to get a crown?
Most crowns are completed over two visits. The first appointment typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes, during which the tooth is prepared and a temporary crown is placed. The second visit is shorter, usually around 30 minutes, when the permanent crown is seated. If a root canal is needed before the crown is placed, that appointment with a specialist is scheduled between the two visits and generally takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth.
Will getting a crown hurt?
Local anesthesia helps keep you comfortable during crown treatment. Whenever appropriate, we use the Wand Single Tooth Anesthesia System to deliver anesthetic slowly and precisely. Experiences vary, so please tell us if you feel discomfort and we can assess your needs.
What is a temporary crown?
A temporary crown protects your tooth between visits while your permanent crown is being made. It maintains comfort and normal function.
A Clearer Restorative Plan
A crown should protect the tooth without making the treatment feel mysterious. We will show you why full coverage is being considered, explain the alternatives, and plan the restoration around strength, fit, appearance, and long-term care.
Request a Crown EvaluationLet’s Plan Your Visit
Tell us a little about the visit you need. Our care team will answer your questions and help you schedule with Dr. Scanlan. If a tooth is hurting or your concern is urgent, please call the office.