The cost of a dental crown depends on the material (porcelain, zirconia, or gold), the tooth's location, and the complexity of the preparation. Most dental insurance plans cover crowns at approximately 50% as a major restorative procedure. We verify your benefits before your appointment and provide a written estimate so you know your cost upfront. Call us for a personalized quote.

Yes. CEREC crowns are milled from high-strength dental porcelain (typically lithium disilicate) that rivals the durability of lab-fabricated crowns. For front teeth and premolars, the strength and aesthetics are excellent. For back molars under heavy grinding forces, Dr. Nwokorie may recommend a lab-milled zirconia crown for extra durability — he'll explain the reasoning for your specific tooth.

The entire process — from the digital scan to the final bonding — generally takes about 90 minutes to two hours. That includes the tooth preparation, the 3D scan, the chairside design, about 15 to 20 minutes of milling, and the final fit and bond. You leave with a permanent crown, not a temporary.

With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Clinical data shows that 95% of crowns survive at least five years, and a large-scale study of over 1.2 million crowns found that 52% were still functioning without any re-intervention at the 15-year mark. Regular checkups, good brushing habits, and avoiding habits like ice-chewing help maximize lifespan.

If the cavity is small and enough healthy tooth structure remains, a filling is usually the better (and less expensive) choice. A crown becomes necessary when the damage is too extensive for a filling to support — typically when more than half the chewing surface is compromised, or when the tooth has a crack. Dr. Nwokorie will show you exactly what he sees on the x-ray and explain why he's recommending one over the other.

CEREC crowns are made from the same high-grade dental ceramics used by outside labs. They are highly resistant to standard chewing forces. However, like any porcelain restoration, they can chip under extreme pressure — heavy teeth grinding (bruxism) is the most common risk factor. If you grind your teeth, Dr. Nwokorie may recommend a nightguard to protect both the crown and your natural teeth while you sleep.

The tooth and surrounding gum tissue are fully numbed with local anesthesia before any preparation begins — you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild sensitivity for a few days afterward as the tooth settles under the new crown. If you're anxious about the appointment, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation to make the experience calmer.

A tooth that needs a crown but doesn't get one will continue to weaken. The crack can deepen, the remaining tooth structure can fracture under normal chewing, and bacteria can reach the inner nerve — leading to infection, a root canal, or the need for an extraction and an implant. Addressing it now is almost always simpler, less painful, and less expensive than waiting.

CEREC requires specialized equipment (the 3D scanner, design software, and in-office milling unit) and training. Not every dental office has invested in this technology. Christian Family Dentistry is equipped with the full CEREC system, and Dr. Nwokorie is trained in digital impression-taking, chairside crown design, and same-day bonding.