Dental Crowns in Huntersville, NC
A dental crown is a custom, tooth-shaped cap that covers the whole visible part of your tooth. It protects a tooth that is cracked, broken, or too weak to hold a filling, and brings back its strength, shape, and look. At Huntersville Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Anthony Marra and Dr. Reed Layne fit each crown to your bite and match its color to your natural teeth.
When is a dental crown the right option?
A crown is usually the right choice when a tooth is still worth saving but has lost too much of its structure to hold up on its own. We often recommend one when:
- A cavity or old filling is so large there isn’t enough healthy tooth left for a new filling
- A tooth is cracked or broken, and chewing could split it further
- You’ve had a root canal, especially on a back tooth that takes heavy chewing force
- A tooth is badly worn down from grinding
- A front tooth is chipped, misshapen, or badly stained and other options won’t hold
- You need to anchor a dental bridge or cover a dental implant
If the damage is smaller, a filling, inlay, or onlay may be enough. We’ll tell you if a smaller fix will do the job.
Who is a good candidate for a crown?
You’re likely a good candidate if the tooth has a healthy root and enough tooth left to support a crown, and your gums are healthy. If you have active gum disease or deep decay, we treat that first. If a tooth is cracked below the gum line or can’t be saved, a crown won’t help. In that case we’ll talk through other options, such as removing the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge.
How long does getting a crown take?
Most crowns take two visits, about two to three weeks apart.
Visit 1: Prepare the tooth (about 60 to 90 minutes)
- We numb the area so you stay comfortable.
- We remove any decay and gently shape the tooth so the crown fits over it.
- We take an impression of the tooth and your bite and pick the shade that matches your teeth.
- We place a custom temporary crown that matches your smile and protects the tooth.
A dental lab then makes your permanent crown to fit your tooth and bite.
Visit 2: Place the permanent crown (usually under an hour)
We remove the temporary, check the fit, bite, and color, and bond the new crown in place.
Please don’t put off your second visit. A temporary crown isn’t built to last and can loosen or break if it’s left in too long.
Dental Crowns In Huntersville, NC Treatment Process
Crown vs. filling vs. onlay vs. implant: how they compare
A filling keeps the most natural tooth, while a crown is the better fit for large damage or cracks. Here’s how the options compare:
| Option | Best for | How much tooth it keeps | Visits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filling | Small to medium cavities | Most | 1 |
| Inlay or onlay | Medium damage, usually on back teeth | More than a crown | 2 |
| Crown | Large damage, cracks, or after a root canal | Less, because the tooth is shaped to fit | 2 |
| Extraction and implant | A tooth that can’t be saved | None; the tooth is replaced | Several, over a few months |
We always try to keep as much of your natural tooth as we can. If a filling or an onlay will hold up, we’ll recommend that first. When a tooth can’t be saved, a dental implant replaces it.
Taking care of your crown
A crown can’t get a cavity, but the tooth under it can. Brush twice a day, floss around the crown every day, and keep your regular checkups and cleanings. If you grind your teeth, ask us about a night guard to protect your crown. With good care, many crowns last 10 to 15 years or more. Crown warranties vary by material, and most last 4 to 7 years.
Schedule a crown consultation in Huntersville
If you have a cracked, broken, or weak tooth, call 704-892-7866 or request an appointment online. Our office is at 9620 Holly Point Dr, Suite 202, Huntersville, NC 28078. Serving patients in Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, North Charlotte, and the Lake Norman area.
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Frequently asked questions about dental crowns
Are dental crowns safe?
Yes. Crowns are one of the most common dental treatments and have been used safely for decades. The materials are made for use in the mouth. If you have a metal allergy, we can use a metal-free crown made of porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia. Some people feel mild sensitivity or gum soreness for a few days after a crown is placed.
How is a dental crown done?
At the first visit, we numb the tooth, remove any decay, shape the tooth, take an impression, and place a temporary crown. About two to three weeks later, we bond your permanent, lab-made crown in place and check your bite.
What materials are dental crowns made of?
Common crown materials are porcelain and ceramic (the most natural-looking), zirconia (very strong and tooth-colored), porcelain fused to metal, and gold or other metal alloys (very durable, best for back teeth). We’ll recommend a material based on where the tooth is, how hard you bite, and how you want it to look.
Is a dental cap the same as a crown?
Yes. “Cap” is just another name for a dental crown. Both mean a custom cover that fits over the whole tooth.
When does a dental crown need to be replaced?
Many crowns last 10 to 15 years or more. Call us if your crown feels loose, cracks or chips, your bite feels off, the gum around it pulls back or gets sore, or you notice new decay or a dark line at the edge. To replace a crown, we remove the old one, check the tooth underneath, and place a new one.
This page’s image and text content has been reviewed by Dr. Anthony Marra, DDS · Last updated: 11/2/2026
Dr. Anthony Marra, DDS, earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 2010 and has practiced dentistry for more than 15 years. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Prosthodontic Society.