Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made, natural-looking cap used to save, protect, and restore a damaged or weakened tooth.
At River Run Dental Spa, our award-winning team provides high-quality dental crowns across our Richmond, Short Pump, Midlothian, Libbie Mill, Charlottesville, Colonial Heights, and Virginia Beach locations.
We combine clinical excellence with a relaxing, spa-like environment so your restorative procedure is completely stress-free. By utilizing advanced iTero digital scanners, we eliminate the need for uncomfortable traditional putty impressions.
Our team is here to restore your smile comfortably and seamlessly whether you need to repair a cracked tooth, protect a tooth after a root canal, or complete a dental implant.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown fits perfectly over the visible portion of a damaged tooth. Once placed, it functions and looks just like a natural tooth.
We use high-quality, metal-free materials like porcelain and zirconia. Our crowns are precisely color-matched to your surrounding teeth, ensuring your restoration is virtually undetectable and will never show a dark gray line at the gumline.
Crowns are a type of dental restoration that fully cover the portion of a tooth which lies above the gum line. Crowns encase the entire visible aspect of the tooth and essentially become the new surface of the tooth.
When Is a Crown the Right Choice?
Our dentists recommend crowns in a number of situations:
- A tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken
- Decay has progressed beyond what a filling can restore
- A tooth needs protection following root canal therapy
- A tooth has worn down significantly over time
- A crown is needed to support a dental bridge or implant restoration
Not sure if you need one? Schedule a consultation and we will take a look and give you a straightforward answer.
What to Expect: The Two-Visit Process
Getting a crown typically takes two straightforward appointments.
First Visit: Preparation and Scanning
Your dentist will numb the area so you are entirely comfortable throughout the procedure. The tooth is gently cleaned and shaped. Next, we use an iTero digital scanner to take a highly accurate, 3D image of your mouth—no messy impression putty required. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent, custom crown is being crafted at the lab.
Second Visit: Final Placement
During your return visit, the permanent crown is checked for a flawless fit, bite alignment, and color match. Once everything looks and feels exactly right, it is securely cemented into place. Most patients return to their normal routine the very same day.
A Gentle Experience from Start to Finish
We understand that restorative dental work can cause anxiety. That is why River Run Dental operates as a dental spa.
Local anesthesia is used throughout the preparation appointment, meaning you will feel no pain—only gentle pressure. You can also take advantage of our signature Comfort Menu, which includes amenities like massage chairs and aromatherapy, to keep you fully relaxed.
After the appointment, some mild, temporary sensitivity is normal as the tooth and gums settle, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Schedule Your Crown Consultation
If you have a damaged tooth that needs attention, our team is here to help. We will assess your tooth, walk you through your options, and make sure you feel confident about the path forward. All of this will be done in the relaxed, comfortable environment River Run is known for.
Dental crowns are available at all of our locations across Virginia. Book online or give your nearest office a call to get started.
Common Questions About Dental Crowns
Does Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost for crowns when they are medically necessary. River Run has an on-site Benefits Specialist who will review your coverage before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect. No insurance? We also offer an in-house Dental Wellness Savings Program to make restorative care highly affordable.
Can a Crowned Tooth Still Get a Cavity?
The porcelain crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth structure underneath it still can. That is why keeping up with regular cleanings matters—we check your crowned teeth at every preventive visit.
Do I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
In most cases, yes. Root canal therapy removes the inner pulp of the tooth, which can leave it more susceptible to fracture. A crown seals, strengthens, and protects the tooth for the long term.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
With excellent oral hygiene and regular checkups, a well-placed crown can last 15 years or more. Our team monitors your restorations at every visit to make sure everything stays healthy and secure.
Will my crown look fake or have a dark line at the gum?
Not at all. Older style crowns were often made with metal underneath, which caused that notorious dark gray line at the gumline over time. At River Run Dental, we use premium, all-ceramic and zirconia materials that are completely metal-free. Your crown will be custom-tinted to match the exact translucency and shade of your natural teeth.