105 E. 10th Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854
208-773-8388 
A damaged tooth can make biting uncomfortable, leave you worried about further breakage or simply keep you from smiling with confidence. Dental crowns in Post Falls, Idaho, can rebuild weakened teeth, restore their shape and protect them from additional damage.
At 7 Day Dental Smiles, our dentists design each crown around the tooth it needs to protect and the smile it needs to complement. Whether your tooth has been affected by decay, injury, a large filling or previous treatment, we will help you find a durable restoration that feels comfortable and looks natural. Call 208-773-8388 to schedule your visit.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. It surrounds the tooth like a protective cap, restoring its strength, shape and appearance.
Crowns can be used on front or back teeth and may be made from different materials depending on the location of the tooth, the amount of chewing pressure it receives and the appearance you want.
Why Might I Need a Dental Crown?
Our dentists may recommend a crown when a tooth needs more protection than a tooth-colored filling can provide.
A dental crown may be used to:
- Strengthen a tooth weakened by decay
- Protect a cracked or fractured tooth
- Restore a tooth with a large filling
- Rebuild a worn or broken tooth
- Cover a tooth after root canal therapy
- Complete a dental implant
- Support a dental bridge
- Improve the shape, color or proportions of a visible tooth
The goal is to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while creating a restoration that can withstand everyday use.
What to Expect From Your Dental Crown Procedure
Your treatment begins with a careful examination of the tooth, surrounding gums and bite. Our team may use intraoral cameras and digital X-rays to understand the extent of the damage and determine whether a crown is the right solution.
A traditional crown procedure often includes:
- Numbing the tooth and surrounding area
- Removing decay or weakened tooth structure
- Shaping the tooth so the crown can fit securely
- Taking a digital scan or impression
- Selecting the appropriate shade and material
- Placing a temporary crown while the final restoration is created
- Bonding the finished crown to the tooth
- Checking and adjusting your bite
The process commonly takes two visits, although the exact timeline depends on the type of crown and your treatment needs.
What Is a Temporary Crown?
A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while your final restoration is being made. It is designed for short-term use, so you will need to treat it more carefully than your permanent crown.
While wearing a temporary crown:
- Avoid sticky or very hard foods
- Chew on the opposite side when possible
- Brush gently around the tooth
- Slide floss out from the side rather than pulling it upward
- Call us if the crown becomes loose or falls off
Do not use household glue to reattach a temporary crown. Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles so our team can advise you.
Will My Dental Crown Look Natural?
Modern crowns can be carefully matched to the surrounding teeth in color, shape and proportion. For a front tooth, appearance and translucency may be especially important. For a back tooth, strength and resistance to chewing pressure often carry more weight.
Our dentists will consider both function and aesthetics when selecting the material and designing your restoration. The goal is for the crown to feel like a natural part of your bite rather than stand out from your smile.
What Materials Are Dental Crowns Made From?
Dental crowns may be made from several materials, each with different advantages. Options can include:
- Porcelain or ceramic: Often selected for their natural appearance and ability to blend with nearby teeth
- Zirconia: Known for strength and a tooth-colored appearance
- Porcelain fused to metal: Combines a metal foundation with a tooth-colored outer surface
- Metal alloys: Highly durable and sometimes used where appearance is less of a concern
The right material depends on where the tooth is located, your bite, cosmetic preferences and other clinical considerations.
Dental Crowns After Root Canal Therapy
A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment may be more vulnerable to fracture, particularly if it has lost significant structure from decay or previous restorations. A crown can surround and reinforce the tooth so it can continue handling normal chewing pressure.
Not every root canal-treated tooth requires the same restoration, but crowns are commonly recommended for molars and premolars because these teeth absorb greater biting forces.
Dental Crowns for Cosmetic Improvements
Crowns are primarily restorative, but they can also improve the appearance of a tooth that is severely discolored, misshapen or worn. When a tooth does not need full coverage, a more conservative option such as dental bonding or dental veneers may be considered.
Our dentists will compare the available options and explain how much natural tooth preparation each one requires.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
A well-made crown can serve your smile for many years, but its lifespan depends on the material, condition of the supporting tooth, bite pressure and daily care.
Habits that can shorten the life of a crown include:
- Chewing ice or hard objects
- Using your teeth to open packaging
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Poor brushing and flossing around the crown
- Skipping regular dental visits
A night guard may be recommended if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping.
How to Care for a Dental Crown
A crowned tooth still needs the same daily attention as the rest of your smile. Although the crown itself cannot develop a cavity, decay can form at the edge where the crown meets the natural tooth.
To protect your crown:
- Brush twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss carefully around the crown every day
- Limit very hard or sticky foods
- Wear a mouth guard during contact sports
- Use a night guard if recommended
- Attend regular dental cleanings and exams
Let our team know if the crown feels different, traps food or causes discomfort when you bite.
Signs a Crown May Need Repair or Replacement
Dental crowns can wear or become damaged over time. Schedule an evaluation if you notice:
- A crown that feels loose or moves
- Pain when chewing
- New sensitivity near the crowned tooth
- A chipped or cracked surface
- A dark line or visible gap near the gumline
- Food repeatedly collecting around the crown
- A bite that suddenly feels uneven
A loose or broken crown may need prompt attention. Visit our emergency dentistry page for guidance on urgent dental concerns.
Why Patients Choose Our Team
- Careful treatment planning tailored to each tooth
- Digital imaging and impressions for a precise fit
- Natural-looking materials selected for your smile
- Clear explanations of treatment options and costs
- Comfort-focused care in a welcoming setting
- Ongoing support after your crown is placed
Learn more about Dr. Rheanna Burnham, Dr. Scott Lake, Dr. Wade Dinse, Dr. Stephen Gloudeman and Dr. Nora Svihl and the care they provide at 7 Day Dental Smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns may last many years with good oral hygiene and regular care. Their longevity depends on the crown material, bite forces, daily habits and the health of the tooth beneath it.
Will my crown look like a natural tooth?
Modern crowns are designed to match the color, shape and proportions of nearby teeth. Our team carefully plans the restoration so it blends with your smile.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
The tooth is numbed during preparation to help keep you comfortable. Mild sensitivity or tenderness may occur afterward, but it usually improves as the area settles.
Can a dental crown be placed on a front tooth?
Yes. Crowns can restore both front and back teeth. Front-tooth crowns are planned with particular attention to color, shape, symmetry and translucency.
Do I always need a crown after a root canal?
Not every tooth requires the same restoration, but crowns are often recommended for back teeth after root canal therapy because those teeth experience strong chewing forces.
What should I do if my crown falls off?
Save the crown if possible, avoid chewing on the tooth and call 208-773-8388. Do not use household glue to put it back in place.
Can a crown develop a cavity underneath it?
The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth can develop a cavity near the crown’s edge. Daily brushing, flossing and routine exams help protect the supporting tooth.
Do you provide dental crowns in Post Falls, Idaho, and nearby communities?
Yes. We provide custom dental crowns for patients in Post Falls, Idaho, and surrounding areas. Reach out to our team to schedule an evaluation.
Give a Damaged Tooth a Stronger Future
Custom dental crowns in Post Falls, Idaho, can protect weakened teeth, restore comfortable function and help your smile look complete again. Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles or call 208-773-8388 to schedule your visit with our dentists.
