A damaged, weakened, or misshapen tooth does not have to diminish your smile or your quality of life. Dental crowns are one of the most versatile and reliable restorative treatments in modern dentistry, capable of protecting a compromised tooth while restoring its natural beauty. At Roberts & Hall Dentistry in Twin Falls, Idaho, we use high-quality, custom-crafted crowns to help our patients enjoy strong, functional, and beautiful smiles for years to come.

Whether your crown is needed to protect a tooth after a root canal, cover a severely decayed tooth, or complete a dental implant restoration, our experienced team will ensure that your crown fits comfortably, looks completely natural, and performs reliably for the long term.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a tooth-shaped covering that is placed over an existing tooth or implant to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. The crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth, from the gumline up, providing full coverage and protection.

According to the American Dental Association, dental crowns are one of the most commonly performed restorative procedures in dentistry. They are used to address a wide range of problems, from cracked teeth to significant decay to cosmetic concerns, making them an incredibly valuable tool in comprehensive dental care.

Modern dental crowns are fabricated from high-quality materials that closely mimic the translucency and color of natural tooth enamel. When placed by a skilled dentist like those at Roberts & Hall, a crown is virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Our Twin Falls dentists may recommend a dental crown in a variety of situations, including:

• After a root canal procedure, to protect the treated tooth from fracture
• When a tooth has severe decay that cannot be restored with a standard filling
• To repair a cracked or fractured tooth
• To cover a tooth that is severely worn down from grinding (bruxism)
• To protect a tooth that is structurally weak and at risk of breaking
• To cover a misshapen or severely discolored tooth for cosmetic reasons
• As the final restoration placed on top of a dental implant
• To anchor a dental bridge in place

If you have a tooth that is causing pain, sensitivity, or cosmetic concern, it is worth scheduling an evaluation at our Twin Falls office. Our team will determine whether a crown is the right solution, or whether another treatment such as a filling, veneer, or other option may be more appropriate.

Types of Dental Crowns

Not all dental crowns are the same. Roberts & Hall Dentistry offers several crown materials, and our team will help you select the best option based on the location of the tooth, your aesthetic goals, and your budget.

Porcelain Crowns

All-porcelain crowns offer the most natural appearance and are an excellent choice for front teeth that are highly visible when you smile. The porcelain is carefully color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. They are an ideal option for patients with metal sensitivities as well.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is an extremely durable ceramic material that combines the strength needed for back teeth with excellent aesthetics. Zirconia crowns are highly resistant to chipping and cracking, making them a popular choice for molars that endure heavy chewing forces. Many patients and dentists now consider zirconia to be the premium crown material for most applications.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have a metal substructure for strength with a porcelain exterior for aesthetics. They have been used successfully in dentistry for decades. One potential drawback is that a thin dark line may become visible at the gumline over time as gums naturally recede.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are exceptionally durable and require very little removal of natural tooth structure. They are most commonly recommended for back molars where strength is paramount and aesthetics are less of a concern. Some patients specifically request gold crowns for their proven longevity.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Getting a dental crown at Roberts & Hall Dentistry typically requires two appointments, though same-day crown options may be available depending on the case.

At the first appointment, the tooth is examined and prepared. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from the outer surface of the tooth to create room for the crown. An impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom crown is fabricated. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being made.

At the second appointment, typically one to two weeks later, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is checked for fit, shape, and color. Any minor adjustments are made before the crown is permanently bonded into place. Dr. Roberts or Dr. Hall will also check your bite to ensure the crown is comfortable and functional.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper care, most dental crowns last between ten and fifteen years, and many last significantly longer. According to Healthline, the longevity of a crown depends on factors such as the material used, the location of the crown, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices.

To maximize the lifespan of your crown, avoid biting on hard foods such as ice or hard candies, wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth, brush and floss regularly, and attend professional cleanings and check-ups at Roberts & Hall Dentistry twice a year.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Caring for a dental crown is no different from caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily (being careful to slide the floss out from the side rather than snapping it up and potentially dislodging the crown), and use an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.

While the crown itself cannot develop decay, the tooth structure beneath it still can. For this reason, maintaining diligent oral hygiene around the crown is essential for its long-term success and for the health of the underlying tooth.

Dental Crowns as Part of Your Smile Makeover

Dental crowns are often an integral part of a comprehensive smile makeover. When combined with treatments such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and dental implants, crowns can help create a complete and harmonious transformation of the smile. Our cosmetic dentistry team in Twin Falls has the artistry and expertise to design a treatment plan that addresses every aspect of your smile.

Serving Twin Falls, Jerome, Burley, and Beyond

Roberts & Hall Dentistry is conveniently located at 256 Martin St in Twin Falls, Idaho, and welcomes patients from throughout south-central Idaho. Whether you live in Twin Falls, travel from Jerome, Kimberly, Filer, Gooding, Burley, or any other Magic Valley community, we make it easy to access high-quality dental crown services close to home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

Does getting a dental crown hurt?

The crown preparation procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the appointment. Some sensitivity or mild soreness after the anesthesia wears off is normal and usually resolves within a few days. If discomfort persists, contact our office.

Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?

The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth structure beneath the crown can still be affected by decay if plaque accumulates at the margin where the crown meets the gumline. This is another reason why thorough daily brushing and flossing are so important even after getting a crown.

Will my dental crown look natural?

Yes. Modern dental crowns, particularly those made from porcelain or zirconia, are designed and color-matched to look completely natural. At Roberts & Hall Dentistry, our crowns are crafted by skilled dental laboratories to precisely match the shade, shape, and translucency of your surrounding teeth.

Is a dental crown covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dental crowns, particularly when the crown is medically necessary for restorative purposes. Coverage amounts vary by plan. Our team will help you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage.

How do I know if I need a crown or just a filling?

Generally, a filling is appropriate when the damaged area of the tooth is smaller, while a crown is recommended when a larger portion of the tooth is compromised or when the tooth is at risk of fracturing. The best way to determine which option is right for you is to schedule an evaluation at our office. Call us at (208) 733-5346 or visit our contact page.

Schedule Your Dental Crown Appointment in Twin Falls

If you have a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth, do not wait. Prompt treatment with a dental crown can prevent further damage and save the tooth entirely. The experienced team at Roberts & Hall Dentistry in Twin Falls, Idaho is ready to help.

Call us at (208) 733-5346 to schedule your appointment. We are located at 256 Martin St, Twin Falls, ID 83301, and are open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.