Willis Family DentistryWaynesboro

Restorative Dentistry

Dental Crowns

A damaged tooth can happen to anyone — a hard snack, a slow-growing crack, decay that’s reached too far. Our goal is always to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. When a tooth is weak, worn-down, or damaged, a dental crown is often the right answer.

What a crown is

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap designed to fit over your tooth and restore it to its normal shape, color, appearance, and strength. Tooth enamel is resilient but not impenetrable, and there are plenty of situations that can damage a tooth beyond what a filling can hold.

Choosing a material

Crowns can be made from a few different materials — resin, porcelain, copper-light, or steel. Each has its own advantages and trade-offs. Dr. Youn will walk through the options and help you choose the crown that’s the best fit for your tooth, your bite, and your budget.

The two-visit process

Getting a dental crown usually takes two visits. At the first visit, the tooth is prepared — that means gently shaving down part of the tooth so the crown will fit comfortably over it. Because the preparation can be a bit involved, it’s always done under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.

Once the tooth is prepared, we take an impression of your mouth and send it to the dental lab, which uses it to create your custom-made crown. While your permanent crown is being made, you wear a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth.

When your permanent crown is ready, you come back so we can check the shape, color, bite, and overall fit before cementing it into place. A quick polish, and your new restoration is good to go — and with proper care, it can last up to 15 years.

Find out if a crown is right for you

Call our Pelham Drive office to schedule a visit and we’ll talk through what your tooth needs.

Schedule a Visit540-943-9703

Frequently Asked

Common questions

When do I need a crown instead of a filling?
When too much of your natural tooth is missing, cracked, or weakened for a filling to hold long-term — typically after a root canal, a large old filling that has failed, a major fracture, or a tooth that has been worn down.
How many visits does a crown take?
Two visits about two to three weeks apart. Visit one: the tooth is gently prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown protects the tooth. Visit two: the lab-made permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and bite, then cemented in.
What materials do you use?
All-ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal are the most common at our office, depending on which tooth and how visible it is. Dr. Youn will walk through the options at your prep visit and help you choose what fits your bite, your tooth, and your budget.
How long do crowns last?
Most crowns last 10 to 15 years; many last longer with good home care. The lifespan depends on hygiene, grinding habits, and the original reason the tooth needed the crown.
Does my insurance cover a crown?
Most PPO plans cover crowns at 50% after the deductible, up to your annual maximum. Virginia Dental Club members get 20% off our normal fee. We will give you a written estimate before any work starts.