Repair Damaged Teeth and Restore Your Smile With Confidence
A cracked, broken or weakened tooth can make everyday activities like eating and chewing uncomfortable. A dental crown can help protect your natural tooth, restore its strength and improve its appearance without requiring extraction.
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, Dr. Benjamin Sharfae, DDS, and Dr. Maggie Sharfae, DDS, provide custom dental crowns in Austin, TX, for patients with damaged, decayed, worn or structurally weakened teeth. Our approach focuses on preserving healthy tooth structure, restoring comfortable function and creating restorations that complement your natural smile.
Both dentists have provided restorative dental care for decades, combining clinical experience with modern digital technology and careful treatment planning.
Have a damaged or painful tooth? Call 512-301-9002 today to schedule an evaluation and find out whether a dental crown can help restore your smile.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the visible portion of a natural tooth above the gumline. It is designed to restore the tooth’s shape, strength, appearance and ability to function.
Unlike a dental filling, which replaces a smaller portion of damaged tooth structure, a crown covers the prepared tooth and helps distribute chewing forces across the restoration.
Dental crowns are commonly recommended when a tooth has extensive damage or insufficient healthy structure to support a filling.
Crowns can also be attached to dental implants to replace missing teeth. Unlike crowns placed over natural teeth, implant crowns are supported by an implant restoration rather than the original tooth.
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, our dentists evaluate your oral health, remaining tooth structure and bite before recommending a crown.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Not every damaged tooth requires a crown. However, certain dental problems can leave a tooth too weak for a conventional filling.
You may benefit from a dental crown if you have:
- A cracked or fractured tooth: A crown may help stabilize and protect a tooth with certain types of cracks.
- A broken tooth: A crown can restore the shape and function of a tooth when sufficient healthy structure remains.
- A large filling: Teeth with extensive existing restorations may need additional protection when the remaining tooth structure is weakened.
- Significant tooth decay: A crown may be recommended when decay has damaged too much of the tooth for a filling to provide adequate support.
- A severely worn tooth: A crown may help restore tooth height, shape and chewing function when appropriate.
- A tooth following root canal treatment: Certain root canal-treated teeth benefit from crowns to reduce the risk of fracture and restore function.
- A damaged or discolored tooth: A crown may improve appearance when other conservative treatments are not suitable.
- A missing tooth being replaced with an implant: An implant-supported crown can restore the visible portion of a missing tooth.
If you experience pain when biting, sensitivity around an older filling or notice that part of a tooth has broken, contact our office for an evaluation.
Early treatment may help prevent additional damage and improve the likelihood of preserving your natural tooth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns provide restorative and cosmetic benefits when they are appropriately recommended.
- Protect weakened teeth: A crown covers vulnerable tooth structure and may reduce the risk of further fracture.
- Restore chewing function: A properly designed crown helps a damaged tooth withstand normal biting and chewing forces.
- Preserve natural teeth: Crowns can help restore teeth that might otherwise require more extensive treatment.
- Improve appearance: Tooth-colored materials can be selected to complement surrounding teeth.
- Repair extensive damage: Crowns can restore teeth affected by large cavities, fractures or significant wear.
- Support long-term restorative care: A well-maintained crown can provide years of service, although its lifespan depends on several factors.
Our goal is to recommend treatment that addresses the underlying dental problem while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as reasonably possible.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be made from several materials. The appropriate choice depends on the location of the tooth, the amount of remaining tooth structure, bite forces, appearance preferences and clinical requirements.
Porcelain and Ceramic Dental Crowns
All-ceramic and porcelain crowns are often selected when a natural-looking appearance is important.
These restorations can be designed to closely resemble the color and translucency of surrounding teeth, making them particularly useful in visible areas of the smile.
Certain ceramic materials are also suitable for back teeth, depending on the patient’s bite and restorative needs.
Zirconia Dental Crowns
Zirconia is a strong ceramic material commonly used for dental crowns.
It may be recommended for teeth exposed to substantial chewing forces, depending on the clinical situation.
Zirconia crowns can also be manufactured in tooth-colored shades, although appearance and translucency vary by material.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine a metal substructure with an outer porcelain layer.
They provide structural support and a tooth-colored appearance, although the underlying metal may sometimes become visible near the gumline.
Metal Dental Crowns
Metal crowns, including certain gold alloys, are known for their durability and resistance to fracture.
Because of their metallic appearance, they are generally more suitable for less visible teeth when clinically appropriate.
Our dentists will discuss the available materials and recommend an option based on your tooth, bite and treatment goals. The specific materials used will depend on your individual treatment plan.
What to Expect During the Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown generally involves examining the tooth, preparing it for restoration, capturing an impression and placing the completed crown.
The number of appointments depends on the condition of the tooth and the restoration process.
1. Examination and Treatment Planning
Your dentist examines the affected tooth and evaluates the surrounding teeth, gums and bite.
Dental X-rays may be recommended to assess decay, existing restorations or other concerns that could affect treatment.
We will explain whether a crown is appropriate or whether a filling, root canal treatment or another option would better address the problem.
2. Preparing the Tooth
Local anesthesia is typically used to help keep you comfortable while the tooth is prepared.
Your dentist removes decay or damaged material as needed and reshapes the tooth to create space for the crown.
If substantial tooth structure is missing, a buildup may be necessary to provide additional support for the restoration.
3. Taking Dental Impressions
After preparation, an impression is taken to capture the shape of the tooth and its relationship to surrounding teeth.
Our practice uses digital intraoral scanning technology, which can provide detailed digital impressions for appropriate restorative procedures.
Traditional impressions may still be used when clinically necessary.
The information is used to design a crown that fits the prepared tooth and works with your bite.
4. Temporary Crown Placement When Needed
If your permanent crown is being fabricated outside the office, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth.
Temporary crowns help maintain tooth position and provide protection while the final restoration is being made.
Our team will explain how to care for your temporary crown and what foods or habits to avoid.
5. Final Crown Placement
When the completed crown is ready, your dentist checks its fit, appearance, contact with neighboring teeth and bite.
Adjustments may be made before the crown is permanently cemented or otherwise secured.
You will receive instructions on caring for your new restoration and maintaining your oral health.
Do Dental Crowns Look Like Natural Teeth?
Modern tooth-colored crowns can be designed to closely resemble natural teeth.
When planning your restoration, our dentists consider:
- Tooth color and shade
- Shape and proportions
- Relationship to neighboring teeth
- Bite alignment and chewing forces
- Gum contours and the crown’s fit near the gumline
- The location and visibility of the restored tooth
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, we use digital imaging and restorative planning technology when appropriate to support accurate impressions and communication with dental laboratories.
Our dentists also collaborate with experienced dental laboratories to create restorations that balance appearance, function and durability.
If you are considering crowns primarily to improve your smile’s appearance, we can also discuss whether other cosmetic dentistry options would preserve more natural tooth structure.
Dental Crown vs. Filling: Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Both fillings and crowns restore damaged teeth, but they serve different purposes.
Dental Fillings
A filling replaces a portion of tooth structure lost to decay or minor damage.
Fillings are generally appropriate when enough healthy tooth remains to support normal function.
They typically require less tooth preparation than crowns.
Dental Crowns
A crown covers the prepared tooth and may provide additional protection when extensive damage, large restorations or fractures have weakened its structure.
Crowns require more tooth preparation than most fillings, so they are not automatically the best choice for every damaged tooth.
Our dentists consider the amount of remaining tooth structure, the location of the damage and your bite before recommending treatment.
Dental Crowns After Root Canal Treatment
A dental crown is sometimes recommended after root canal therapy, particularly for back teeth that experience substantial chewing forces.
Root canal treatment removes inflamed or infected tissue from inside a tooth. The tooth then requires an appropriate final restoration to protect it and restore function.
Some teeth can be restored with fillings or other restorations, while others benefit from full crown coverage.
Dr. Maggie Sharfae has provided root canal treatment since 1999 and has extensive experience restoring teeth following endodontic care.
Our dentists will evaluate the tooth’s condition and explain whether a crown is recommended following root canal treatment.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns commonly last 10 to 15 years, and some remain functional considerably longer with appropriate care.
However, no crown is permanent. Longevity depends on several factors, including:
- The crown material and restoration design
- Daily brushing and flossing habits
- Regular dental examinations
- Bite forces and teeth grinding
- Dietary habits
- The health of the underlying tooth and surrounding gums
A crown can develop problems if decay forms along its margins or if excessive forces cause the restoration or underlying tooth to fracture.
To help protect your crown, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss around the restoration and maintain regular dental visits.
Avoid chewing ice or using your teeth to open packages. If you grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend a protective nightguard.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost in Austin, TX?
The cost of a dental crown depends on the material selected, the condition of the tooth and the treatment required before the crown can be placed.
Factors that may affect cost include:
- The type of crown material
- The location and condition of the tooth
- Whether a buildup is needed
- Whether root canal therapy or other treatment is required
- Dental insurance benefits, when applicable
Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for crowns when they are considered medically necessary, but coverage varies by plan.
During your evaluation, our team can explain the recommended treatment and associated costs so you understand your options before proceeding.
Why Choose Our Austin Dentists for Dental Crowns?
A successful dental crown requires more than selecting a durable material. Your dentist must evaluate the remaining tooth structure, surrounding tissues, bite forces and how the restoration will function over time.
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, Dr. Benjamin Sharfae and Dr. Maggie Sharfae combine extensive restorative experience with modern dental technology and individualized treatment planning.
Dr. Maggie Sharfae, DDS
Dr. Maggie Sharfae graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School in 1999.
She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the VA Medical Center in Indianapolis from 1999 to 2000.
She has provided restorative dentistry, including dental crowns and bridges, since 1999.
Her clinical background also includes root canal therapy, cosmetic dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation. This experience helps her evaluate how individual restorations fit into a patient’s broader oral health needs.
Dr. Maggie Sharfae also taught clinical dentistry at Indiana University School of Dentistry for two years.
Dr. Benjamin Sharfae, DDS
Dr. Benjamin Sharfae graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2001 and has practiced dentistry since that year.
He has provided crowns, bridges and restorative dental treatment since 2001, along with dental implant services and full-mouth rehabilitation.
His experience includes restoring natural teeth and dental implants, allowing him to evaluate different treatment options when teeth are damaged or missing.
He also taught preclinical and clinical dentistry at Indiana University School of Dentistry for two years.
Experienced Care With Modern Restorative Technology
Both dentists are members of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association and Capital Area Dental Society.
Our practice uses digital impression technology, intraoral scanning and other modern tools to support restorative treatment planning when appropriate.
We also emphasize consistent care from familiar dentists and long-term team members.
As a privately owned family dental practice, our goal is to provide thoughtful recommendations, clear communication and restorations designed with long-term oral health in mind.
What if a Dental Crown Cannot Save My Tooth?
Although crowns can restore many damaged teeth, some teeth cannot be predictably preserved.
If a tooth has extensive decay, a severe fracture or inadequate supporting structure, extraction may be necessary.
Our dentists evaluate whether the natural tooth can be restored before recommending removal.
When a tooth cannot be saved, replacement options may include a dental bridge or dental implant.
Dr. Benjamin Sharfae provides dental implant placement, and both dentists provide implant restorations.
Learn more about our dental implant services and other restorative dentistry options.
Dental Crowns for Patients in Oak Hill and Southwest Austin
Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill provides dental crown treatment for patients in Austin, Oak Hill, Southwest Austin and surrounding communities.
Whether you have a broken tooth, an aging restoration, a tooth weakened by decay or a crown that needs replacement, our dentists can evaluate your concerns and recommend appropriate care.
We focus on restoring dental health while helping patients maintain comfortable, natural-looking smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How much does a dental crown cost in Austin, TX?
The cost depends on the crown material, the condition of the tooth and whether additional treatment is necessary. Dental insurance may cover part of the cost when a crown is medically necessary. Our team can review your recommended treatment and associated costs during your appointment.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns commonly last 10 to 15 years, although some last longer. Their lifespan depends on the material, bite forces, oral hygiene and condition of the underlying tooth. Regular dental visits and good home care can help extend their service life.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
Local anesthesia is typically used during tooth preparation to minimize discomfort. Some temporary sensitivity or soreness may occur afterward. Our dentists explain the procedure and discuss ways to keep you comfortable throughout treatment.
How many appointments does it take to get a dental crown?
Traditional crown treatment commonly requires two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another to place the completed crown. The exact schedule depends on your treatment needs and the fabrication process.
Can a dental crown fix a cracked or broken tooth?
A crown can help protect and restore certain cracked or broken teeth when enough healthy structure remains. Deep fractures, particularly those extending into the root, may require other treatment. An examination is necessary to determine whether the tooth can be saved.
Is a crown better than a filling?
Neither treatment is automatically better. Fillings are often appropriate for smaller areas of damage, while crowns may provide additional protection for extensively weakened teeth. Our dentists recommend treatment based on the condition of the tooth and the amount of healthy structure remaining.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Many back teeth benefit from crowns after root canal therapy because they experience substantial chewing forces. Some front teeth and other cases may be restored differently. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate restoration based on the tooth’s condition and location.
What should I do if my dental crown falls off?
Keep the crown if possible, avoid chewing on the affected tooth and contact our office. Do not use household glue to reattach it. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and determine whether the crown can be recemented or needs replacement.
Can a tooth decay underneath a dental crown?
Yes. Although the crown itself cannot develop a cavity, the natural tooth underneath can still decay, particularly around the crown’s margins. Daily brushing, flossing and regular dental examinations help protect the underlying tooth.
Can dental crowns look like natural teeth?
Yes. Tooth-colored ceramic and porcelain crowns can be designed to complement surrounding teeth. Our dentists consider shade, shape, proportions and bite function when planning a restoration. Results depend on the selected material and clinical situation.
What is the difference between a dental crown and an implant crown?
A traditional dental crown covers a prepared natural tooth. An implant crown replaces the visible portion of a missing tooth and is attached to a dental implant through an appropriate connection. Both restore function, but they are supported differently.
Where can I get dental crowns in Oak Hill, Austin?
Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill provides custom dental crowns for patients in Oak Hill, Southwest Austin and surrounding communities. Dr. Benjamin Sharfae and Dr. Maggie Sharfae have provided restorative dental treatment since 2001 and 1999, respectively. Call our office to schedule an evaluation.
Restore Your Tooth With Experienced Dental Care
A cracked, broken or weakened tooth does not always need to be removed. A custom dental crown may help restore its strength, appearance and function while protecting your remaining natural tooth structure.
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, Dr. Benjamin Sharfae and Dr. Maggie Sharfae provide personalized dental crown treatment backed by decades of restorative experience and a commitment to long-term oral health.
Ready to repair your smile? Call 512-301-9002 today to schedule your dental crown consultation in Austin, Texas.