Cracked or Broken Teeth
Hold fractured tooth structure together and prevent further breakage
Restorative Dentistry
Dental Crowns in East Ellijay, GA
Durable tooth caps that restore strength and natural appearance
Appointments:1-2 visits
Treatment Time:60-90 minutes
Results Last:10-15 years
Materials:Zirconia, Porcelain, Ceramic
When a Damaged Tooth Calls for Dental Crowns
Understanding Tooth Damage
A cracked molar, a tooth that has had a root canal, or a tooth with a filling so large there is little healthy structure left can all feel fragile. You may notice sharp pain when biting into food, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold drinks, or a tooth that looks darkened or worn down. Many patients in Ellijay tell us they avoid chewing on one side or skip favorite foods because they fear the tooth will break. Without protection, these teeth often crack further and may eventually need extraction.
A dental crown surrounds the entire visible portion of the tooth like a snug helmet, holding the remaining structure together and distributing bite forces evenly. The team at East Ellijay Dental selects a material suited to the tooth's location and your bite, whether that is zirconia for back teeth, porcelain-fused-to-metal for strength with a tooth-colored finish, or all-ceramic for front teeth where appearance matters most. Once cemented, you can chew normally, sensitivity usually resolves, and the tooth is protected for many years.
Treatment Timeline
Treatment Time
60-90 minutes per visit
First Signs
Immediate protection at delivery
Full Effect
1-2 appointments to completion
Recovery
Mild sensitivity for a few days
What Are Dental Crowns?
The Science of Tooth Restoration
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that completely cover a prepared tooth above the gumline, restoring its strength, shape, size, and appearance. According to the American Dental Association, crowns are commonly used to protect a cracked tooth, restore a tooth after a root canal, cover a large filling, or improve the look of a discolored or misshapen tooth.
How Dental Crowns Work
A crown acts like a structural shell, transferring chewing forces from the weakened tooth surface down through the strong root. Once the tooth is shaped and a digital scan is taken with our 3D scanner, a dental laboratory mills or layers the crown from zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-ceramic material. Long-term clinical studies report survival rates of roughly 90 to 95 percent at 10 years for well-placed crowns on healthy roots.
What Happens During Dental Crowns Treatment
You can expect a thorough exam, gentle reshaping of the tooth under local anesthesia, a quick 3D scan in place of the older putty impressions, and a precise fit-check at delivery. Most patients describe the visit as comfortable and similar to having a filling placed.
Dental Crowns Results and Duration
Once cemented, the crown looks and functions like a natural tooth. With good home care and regular teeth cleaning visits, most crowns last 10 to 15 years, and many last longer.
- 01
Restored Strength
Lets you chew comfortably on the treated tooth again
- 02
Natural Appearance
Tooth-colored zirconia and ceramic match neighboring teeth
- 03
Long-Lasting Result
Most crowns serve 10 to 15 years with routine care
- 04
Tooth Preservation
Saves the natural root and avoids extraction or implant surgery
- 05
Comfort Restored
Reduces sensitivity from cracks and exposed dentin
- 06
Digital Precision
3D scanning replaces messy impressions for a better fit
Dental Crowns vs. Alternatives
Compare Your Options
| Treatment | Mechanism | Time | Results | Duration | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Crowns | Caps entire tooth | 1-2 visits | Restored strength | 10-15 years | Minimal | Cracked or weak teeth |
| Tooth-Colored Fillings | Fills cavity space | 1 visit | Sealed cavity | 5-10 years | None | Small to medium decay |
| Dental Bridges | Spans missing tooth | 2 visits | Closes gap | 10-15 years | Minimal | 1-2 adjacent missing teeth |
| Dental Implants | Replaces root and crown | Several months | Single replacement tooth | 20+ years | Surgical recovery | Missing single tooth or more |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns?
Finding Your Best Restoration
Dental crowns work best for patients whose tooth still has a healthy root and adequate bone support, but whose visible structure is too damaged for a simple filling.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Crowns
- Adults with a cracked, broken, or severely worn tooth
- Patients who have completed a root canal and need protection for the treated tooth
- People with a large filling that is failing or undermining the tooth
- Patients seeking to improve the shape or color of a misshapen or discolored tooth
- Adults with healthy gums and the commitment to regular dental cleanings
When a Filling, Bridge, or Implant May Be Better
- Small cavities that can be conservatively restored with tooth-colored fillings
- Missing teeth where a dental bridge or implant is more appropriate
- Active untreated gum disease or decay that must be stabilized first
- Insufficient remaining tooth structure to retain a crown safely
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, treating decay or cracks early protects long-term tooth survival, and your dentist at East Ellijay Dental will review all options before recommending a crown.
Exam and Plan
Your dentist reviews x-rays, checks the tooth, and confirms a crown is the right option.
Tooth Preparation
After local anesthesia, the tooth is gently shaped to make room for the new crown.
3D Digital Scan
Our intraoral scanner captures a precise digital model in place of putty impressions.
Temporary Crown
A temporary crown protects the tooth while the lab fabricates your final restoration.
Final Delivery
At visit two, your dentist checks fit, color, and bite, then cements the permanent crown.
Risks and Side Effects
What to Know
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Common Side Effects
Mild gum tenderness, temporary cold sensitivity, and a slightly different bite feel are common in the first one to two weeks and typically resolve as the gums settle. A short period of chewing awareness on the treated side is normal.
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Rare Complications
Less commonly, a tooth under a crown can develop persistent sensitivity that requires a root canal, the cement seal can wear over many years and allow decay underneath, or, rarely, a porcelain layer may chip. Reported rates of needing root canal therapy after crown placement range from roughly 2 to 6 percent in long-term studies. Allergic reactions to crown materials are uncommon.
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Dental Crowns Safety and Materials
Crown materials such as zirconia, porcelain, and noble-metal alloys are well established in dentistry and supported by decades of clinical use. Our doctors and the team at East Ellijay Dental select the material best suited to your tooth, follow strict sterilization protocols, and review any medical conditions or medications that could affect healing before treatment.
Dental Crowns Cost in East Ellijay
Pricing and Payment Options
In the East Ellijay and Ellijay, GA area, dental crowns typically range from about $900 to $1,800 per tooth depending on material, tooth location, and complexity. All-ceramic and zirconia crowns for visible front teeth often sit at the higher end of that range, while porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns for back teeth are usually more economical. Exact pricing will be discussed during your consultation based on your individual treatment plan and any preparatory work, such as a root canal or core buildup, that may be needed.
Insurance Coverage
East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is in-network with Delta Dental and works with many other PPO plans. Most dental insurance policies cover crowns at roughly 50 percent after deductibles when the crown is needed to restore a damaged tooth, subject to your annual maximum and waiting periods. Our team will verify your benefits and provide a written estimate before treatment begins.
Flexible Payment Options
For costs not covered by insurance, we offer two third-party financing programs so you can spread payments over time:
- CareCredit - healthcare credit line with promotional no-interest periods on qualifying balances.
- Cherry - simple monthly payment plans with a fast online approval process and flexible terms.
Why Choose East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Dental Crowns in East Ellijay, GA
Ellijay's Trusted Provider
Experienced Team
Three DMD providers including Dr. Settel, Dr. Sosebee and Dr. Dillard
3D Digital Scanning
Comfortable digital impressions instead of older gooey trays
Material Choice
Zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-ceramic options matched to your tooth
Local Family Practice
Serving East Ellijay, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, and Jasper for 17 years
Related Services
Treatments that pair well with dental crowns at East Ellijay Dental.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Your Questions Answered
01 How long do dental crowns last?
With good home care and regular cleanings, most crowns last 10 to 15 years, and many last longer. Long-term studies report survival rates near 90 to 95 percent at 10 years on healthy teeth.
02 What are dental crowns made of?
At East Ellijay Dental we offer zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-ceramic crowns. Your dentist helps you choose the best material based on tooth location, bite forces, and how visible the tooth is when you smile.
03 How many appointments does it take to get a crown?
Most crowns are completed in two visits about a week apart. The first appointment shapes the tooth and captures a 3D scan; the second delivers and cements your custom final crown.
04 Does getting a crown hurt?
The procedure itself is done under local anesthesia, so most patients feel only mild pressure. Some sensitivity to cold or chewing is normal for a few days after each visit and usually fades quickly.
05 Can a crown be placed after a root canal?
Yes. A crown is often recommended after a root canal because the treated tooth becomes more brittle. Pairing root canal therapy with a crown helps protect the tooth and restore full chewing function.
06 Will my dental insurance cover a crown?
Many dental plans, including Delta Dental, cover crowns at about 50 percent when medically needed. Our team verifies your benefits and provides a clear estimate before treatment begins.
07 How do I care for my new crown?
Brush twice a day, floss daily around the crown margin, and keep regular cleaning visits. Avoid chewing ice or very hard objects, and consider a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Schedule Your Dental Crowns Consultation
References
- PubMed (PMID: 29150019) - Systematic review of all-ceramic versus metal-ceramic single crowns reports comparable survival and improved esthetics for ceramic restorations.
- PubMed (PMID: 30396718) - Long-term clinical study of monolithic zirconia crowns demonstrates high survival rates and low chipping incidence at five years.
- PubMed (PMID: 29103709) - Meta-analysis of crown survival following root canal therapy shows significantly improved tooth retention compared with endodontically treated teeth without crowns.
- PubMed (PMID: 28341091) - Clinical review of digital intraoral scanning versus conventional impressions shows improved patient comfort and accurate marginal fit for fixed restorations.
- American Dental Association - Patient education resource on dental crowns describing indications, materials, and long-term care.
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - Government health resource on tooth decay and restorative treatment options including crowns.