Dental Crowns in Chicago, IL

In most cases, getting a dental crown at Smile Era Dental requires two appointments spaced approximately two to three weeks apart. The first appointment involves preparing the tooth, taking impressions or digital scans, and placing a temporary crown. The second appointment — once your permanent crown has been fabricated by our dental laboratory — involves removing the temporary crown and permanently cementing the final restoration. Each appointment typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

The crown preparation appointment is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure — only pressure and vibration. After the anesthesia wears off, some sensitivity and mild soreness in the prepared tooth and surrounding gum tissue is normal for a few days. This is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Once your permanent crown is in place and your bite is properly adjusted, any sensitivity typically resolves quickly.

The decision between a filling and a crown comes down to how much healthy tooth structure remains and how much functional demand the tooth faces. Generally speaking, if decay or damage has affected less than half of the tooth, a filling may be sufficient. When more than half of the tooth is compromised — or when a tooth is cracked, has had a root canal, or has a large failing filling — a crown is typically the more reliable and durable long-term solution. Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will assess your specific situation and give you an honest recommendation.

With proper care and regular dental visits, most dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years — and many last considerably longer. Zirconia and full metal crowns tend to be among the most durable options. The longevity of your crown also depends heavily on your oral hygiene habits, dietary choices, and whether you grind your teeth. A custom nightguard from Smile Era Dental is one of the best investments you can make in extending the life of your crown if bruxism is a factor.

Yes. The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth structure beneath the crown — particularly at the margin where the crown meets the tooth at the gumline — remains susceptible to new decay if oral hygiene is inadequate. This is why brushing carefully along the gumline, flossing daily around every crowned tooth, and keeping up with regular professional cleanings at Smile Era Dental are just as important for crowned teeth as for natural ones.

Both are tooth-colored, metal-free options — but they differ in strength and translucency. Traditional all-porcelain crowns offer exceptional aesthetics with a natural, translucent appearance that closely mimics natural enamel — making them an excellent choice for front teeth. Zirconia crowns are significantly stronger and more resistant to chipping and fracture, making them better suited for back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces and for patients who grind their teeth. Modern high-translucency zirconia now also offers excellent aesthetics, making it a versatile choice for many areas of the mouth. Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will recommend the best material for your specific tooth and situation.

Absolutely. At Smile Era Dental, every tooth-colored crown is carefully shade-matched to your surrounding natural teeth and custom-fabricated to match their shape and contour. When properly designed and placed, a modern ceramic or zirconia crown is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth — in everyday life and in photos. Most patients tell us that even they forget which tooth has the crown after a short time.

While wearing a temporary crown, we recommend avoiding sticky or chewy foods — such as caramel, chewing gum, and chewy candy — which can pull the temporary crown off. Also avoid hard foods on that side of the mouth, as temporary crowns are not as strong as permanent ones. Eating on the opposite side of the mouth as much as possible during this period is advisable. Your doctor will give you specific aftercare instructions at your first appointment.

Most PPO dental insurance plans cover dental crowns under the major restorative services category, typically at around 50% of the covered fee after your deductible, subject to your plan's annual maximum. Some plans also have a waiting period for major restorative services. At Smile Era Dental, we will verify your specific benefits and provide a detailed cost breakdown before any treatment begins — so there are no surprises. Call us at 773-594-0655 with any insurance questions.

Yes — and in most cases, it is strongly recommended. A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment loses its internal blood and nerve supply, making it significantly more brittle and prone to fracture over time. Placing a crown over a root canal-treated tooth — particularly a premolar or molar that bears chewing forces — protects it from cracking or breaking and dramatically extends the life of the tooth. Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will advise you on the appropriate timing and type of crown for your root canal-treated tooth.