Proudly serving patients from Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach, and Lake Worth.
When a filling isn't enough, a crown saves the tooth
A crown — what most patients call a cap — is a custom-made cover that fits over the entire visible part of a tooth. When a tooth is cracked, heavily decayed, worn down from grinding, or has just had a root canal, there isn't enough healthy structure left for a filling to hold. A crown wraps the whole tooth, takes the chewing force off the weakened parts, and stops a small crack from becoming a lost tooth. Everything happens right here in Royal Palm Beach — the prep, the impression, and the fit.
When you might need a crown
- A cracked or fractured tooth, or one that hurts when you bite down.
- A tooth with a large old filling that's breaking down around the edges.
- A tooth that's just had a root canal and needs protecting.
- Teeth worn flat from grinding — often alongside TMJ treatment.
- A single discolored or misshapen tooth where a veneer wouldn't be strong enough.
- The final step on a dental implant.
What to expect
- Visit 1 — Prep & impression. The tooth is numbed and shaped, we take a digital impression, and you leave with a temporary crown that looks natural.
- In between. Your permanent crown is made and shade-matched to your neighbouring teeth, usually in about two weeks.
- Visit 2 — Fit & cement. We check the fit, the shade, and your bite, then bond it permanently. Most people eat normally the same day.
Choosing a crown material
- All-porcelain / zirconia. The most natural-looking option and our usual choice for front teeth and visible premolars.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal. A strong, proven option for back teeth where appearance matters less than durability.
- Gold alloy. The gentlest on opposing teeth and extremely long-lasting, still the right call for some back molars.
We talk through which one suits your tooth, your bite, and your budget before anything is prepared — and you get the price in writing first.
Why patients choose us for crowns
- Shade-matched so the crown disappears next to your natural teeth.
- Bite checked carefully at fit — a high crown is the main cause of post-crown discomfort, and we don't let you leave with one.
- We screen for clenching and grinding, because an unprotected crown in a grinder's mouth doesn't last.
- Clear written pricing, insurance verified up front, in-house financing for qualified patients.
- 22+ years of restorative dentistry in Palm Beach County.
Related treatments
Replacing several teeth in a row? A dental bridge uses crowns on either side of the gap. For a single missing tooth, compare a dental implant. If the damage is smaller, a composite filling may be all you need. You can also return to the homepage.
Crown FAQs
Dental crown questions, answered
How much does a dental crown cost in Royal Palm Beach?
A dental crown at our Royal Palm Beach office typically ranges from $1,250 to $1,500 per tooth, depending on the material and whether a build-up is needed underneath. Most dental plans cover about half the cost. We verify your benefits and hand you a written estimate before any work begins.
What is the difference between a crown and a cap?
There is no difference — they are two names for the same thing. "Cap" is the everyday word patients use, and "crown" is the clinical term. Both describe a custom-made cover that fits over the whole visible part of a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
How long do dental crowns last?
A well-made crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and often much longer with good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Grinding your teeth shortens that lifespan, which is why we check for clenching and may recommend a custom orthotic appliance to protect your investment.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Usually yes, especially on a back tooth. A root-canal-treated tooth becomes brittle and is prone to fracturing under chewing forces. A crown covers and reinforces the whole tooth so it can bite normally for years. We discuss this with you at the time of the root canal.
Does getting a crown hurt?
No. The tooth is fully numbed before it is shaped, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Some mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days afterward is normal and settles on its own. Call us if it lingers beyond a week.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Most dental insurance plans classify crowns as a major restorative service and cover roughly 50 percent after your deductible, often with a waiting period on newer policies. We verify your exact benefits before treatment and offer in-house financing for the remainder.