When a tooth is too damaged for a filling, a custom crown restores its strength, function and natural appearance — protecting it for years to come.
A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped restoration that fits precisely over your natural tooth above the gumline. It reinforces a weakened structure, restores proper chewing function and brings the tooth back to its natural appearance.
At Osuna Dental Care, our crowns are crafted from strong ceramic and porcelain materials — matched exactly to the color of your surrounding teeth, so they blend in completely.
A crown is typically recommended when:
Skip the temporary crown and second appointment. Our CEREC technology designs, mills and places your permanent crown in a single two-hour visit using a precise digital scan of your tooth.
Clear, predictable steps — from your first appointment to your final crown.
A small, precise amount of enamel is removed from the top and sides of the tooth under local anesthesia — creating a perfect foundation for the crown to seat securely.
We capture a highly accurate digital scan or physical impression of your tooth. This ensures your crown matches your exact bite and blends with the color of adjacent teeth.
For traditional crowns, a temporary restoration protects the prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated. With CEREC, this step is skipped entirely.
Your dentist checks the fit, bite and aesthetics, then permanently bonds the crown using strong dental adhesive. The result is a durable, natural-looking tooth — fully functional again.
Pressure-sensitive pain when eating often signals a crack or fracture that needs a crown for protection.
A visible crack or break exposes the inner tooth and can quickly worsen without proper restoration.
When decay has progressed beyond what a filling can address, a crown is the next step to save the tooth.
Large or aging fillings can crack and leave gaps — a crown covers and protects the entire tooth structure.
Teeth that have had root canal therapy are fragile — a crown prevents fracture and restores full strength.
Severely discolored or misshapen teeth can be transformed with a crown for a natural, confident appearance.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait. The sooner a damaged tooth is treated, the better the outcome — and the simpler the solution.
At Osuna Dental Care, we take the time to assess whether a crown is truly your best option, or whether a more conservative treatment like a filling or inlay could work first.
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or more. Regular checkups, good oral hygiene and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or chewing on hard objects significantly extend their lifespan.
No. The entire procedure is done under local anesthesia — you shouldn't feel pain during treatment at all. Some mild sensitivity around the tooth is normal for a few days after placement, which resolves quickly on its own.
A same-day crown uses CEREC CAD/CAM technology to design, mill and place your permanent crown in a single two-hour appointment. There's no temporary crown, no second visit and no waiting on a dental lab. Traditional crowns require two appointments about two weeks apart.
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown costs when medically necessary — for example after a root canal or for a cracked tooth. Coverage varies by plan, typically 50% after your deductible. We verify your benefits upfront and provide a full cost estimate before treatment begins. Financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Sunbit is also available.
A filling repairs a limited area of damage within the tooth. A crown covers the entire visible tooth surface above the gumline, providing full structural support. Crowns are typically needed when more than half of the original tooth structure has been compromised by decay or damage.
Don't wait on a damaged tooth. Our team will assess your situation and recommend the most conservative solution that works.
5900 Cubero Dr NE STE B · Albuquerque, NM 87109