Dental Crowns
A damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth does not always have to mean that you need to have it pulled. Dental crowns provide one of the most durable and natural-looking solutions in restorative dentistry, protecting compromised teeth while restoring their full function and appearance. Whether your tooth has been fractured, worn down, or is significantly decayed, a well-placed crown can give it a second life and keep your smile intact for years to come.
At Pine Glen Dental Group, we have been serving families in Peoria, Illinois, for more than two decades, building a reputation for high-quality, patient-centered care. Dr. Lori Rice joined the practice in 2002 and purchased Pine Glen Dental Group in 2012, and today she’s joined by Dr. Jacey Thelen, D.D.S., a UMKC graduate and Peoria-area native who came on board as an associate dentist in 2026. Our restorative services include dental bridges and a full range of crown options designed to meet each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Rice, Dr. Thelen, and our team take the time to understand your goals before recommending any treatment, ensuring every crown we place gives you both restored function and beauty.
Your Crown Visit, Step by Step
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, encasing it entirely from the gum line up. Once cemented in place, the crown restores the tooth’s original shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry, used across a wide range of situations.
Common Reasons a Crown May Be Recommended
Crowns address many different concerns, and our team will guide you through exactly why one is being recommended in your specific case. Some of the most frequent reasons include the following:
- Tooth decay: When the decay is too extensive for a filling to adequately restore the tooth, a crown is often the right solution.
- Cracked or fractured teeth: Crowns protect cracked teeth from further splitting or breakage.
- After a root canal: A treated tooth becomes more brittle after this procedure and needs crown protection.
- Worn-down teeth: Teeth that are weakened by grinding or erosion benefit from the added strength of a crown.
- Implant restorations: Crowns serve as the visible, functional part of an implant restoration.
Each scenario is different, and our team evaluates every tooth carefully before recommending the most appropriate restoration.
Ceramic Crowns vs. Traditional Options
Not all crowns are created in the same way. The material used has a significant impact on both aesthetics and longevity, and we discuss these options transparently with every patient.
Ceramic crowns are among the most popular choices today because they closely mimic the translucency and color of natural tooth enamel. They are an excellent option for front teeth or any visible area of the smile where appearance is a priority. For patients who want a seamless, natural look, ceramic is often the preferred material.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal and full-metal crowns are also available for situations where durability is the primary concern, such as back molars that endure significant chewing force. Our team will help you weigh the trade-offs so you can make a confident and informed decision about your care.
How the Crown Process Works
The crown placement process at Pine Glen Dental Group typically takes two appointments. At the first visit, we prepare the tooth by removing any decay and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. Digital impressions are taken to ensure a precise fit, and a temporary crown is placed while your permanent restoration is being crafted.
At the second appointment, we remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color of your permanent crown, and then cement it securely in place. We make any necessary adjustments before you leave to ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable. The process is fairly simple, and our team keeps you informed throughout every step.
When you have smaller areas of damage that do not require a full crown, options like inlays and onlays may be a more conservative alternative. We always recommend the least invasive treatment that will deliver lasting results.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, a dental crown can last 15 years or more. Ceramic and zirconia crowns in particular have a strong track record for durability, with many patients enjoying a decade or more of reliable function from a single restoration. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and attending routine checkups are the most important factors in protecting your crown over time.
Patients who grind their teeth at night may additionally benefit from a night guard to reduce the stress placed on their crowns. Avoiding extremely hard foods and treating any underlying bite issues also contributes to the longevity of your restoration.
Choose Pine Glen Dental Group for Dental Crowns in Peoria, IL
Pine Glen Dental Group has been a trusted name in Peoria dentistry for more than two decades. Dr. Lori Rice, who graduated at the top of her class from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 2002 and purchased the practice in 2012, leads the team alongside Dr. Jacey Thelen, D.D.S., a UMKC graduate and Peoria-area native who joined as an associate dentist in 2026. Pine Glen Dental Group holds a BBB A+ rating, a 4.7-star Google rating, and has been recognized as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite every year from 2018 through 2024.
If you have a damaged tooth that needs attention, do not wait until the problem becomes more serious. We work with patients on out-of-network insurance claims and accept cash, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover to make high-quality care accessible. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and get started rebuilding a stronger, healthier smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a crown differ from a filling?
While a dental filling is designed to replace a portion of a decayed or damaged tooth, a dental crown offers full coverage to restore the tooth’s entire outer surface. A well-fitting dental crown not only protects and strengthens the underlying tooth structure, but it also restores the tooth’s appearance and function.
What's the procedure for getting an all-ceramic crown?
The procedure for getting an all-ceramic crown is much like the procedure for getting any other type of crown. In all cases, the tooth needs to be prepared, an impression taken, and a permanent crown cemented into place. A single all-ceramic crown can typically be fabricated over the course of two visits. However, with CAD/CAM technology, a same-day crown can be fabricated from start to finish in a single visit. With the first approach, a temporary crown is typically worn until the second visit, when the permanent restoration is placed. As with every treatment plan, our office will explain your best options in care.
What's the difference between a temporary crown and a permanent crown?
As the name implies, a temporary crown is only worn for a short time until the permanent crown is placed. A temporary crown is typically fabricated from durable tooth-colored dental acrylics. While designed to protect the underlying tooth between appointments, and until your new permanent crown gets placed, a temporary crown is also fabricated to look like a natural tooth and maintain the look of your smile.
Will my tooth feel any different?
While you should feel better having an attractive and functional tooth to restore your smile, your tooth may feel a little sensitive following treatment. This initial sensitivity will subside. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and your bite is perfect. However, we’re always happy to make any minor adjustments to ensure your comfort.
Does a tooth that has had a root canal procedure need a crown?
With some exceptions, teeth with root canal procedures are typically restored and protected from further damage with a full-coverage crown. Based on what’s best for your smile, our office will recommend the most appropriate restoration to maintain the health and longevity of your tooth following a root canal procedure.
How do I take care of my new crown?
A dental crown is a long-term restoration that, if properly cared for, can serve you well for many years to come. Once your new crown is placed, it requires the same brushing, flossing, and periodic checkups as your natural teeth. Avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on hard or sticky objects such as ice, pencils, or taffy, which can damage or loosen your crown. Remember, clenching and grinding your teeth puts excessive pressure on both natural teeth and dental restorations. Unless treated, this habit can compromise the longevity and integrity of your dental work, including crowns.
Does a crown protect my tooth from cavities and gum disease?
Although your new all-ceramic crown restores the tooth’s strength, form, and function, you can still develop dental disease in the absence of proper care. To prevent gum disease and tooth decay, it’s essential to brush and floss as instructed and see our office for routine checkups, cleanings, and care.
How long do all-ceramic crowns last?
How long a dental crown lasts depends on various factors, including your level of oral care, diet, and oral habits. While the standard answer is that dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, existing literature confirms that most dental crowns remain in place at 15 to 20 years.
How much does dental treatment cost?
At the office of Pine Glen Dental Group, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we’ve had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required. Our goal is to make dental care more affordable so that you can begin treatment without any additional stress or delay.
Keep in mind that with routine dental checkups and periodic care, we can help prevent dental disease while treating emerging problems early in their onset to avoid larger issues and more expensive care down the road.
Does dental insurance cover all-ceramic crowns?
Coverage for all-ceramic crowns depends on your dental insurance plan. Today, many dental plans provide some level of coverage for all-ceramic crowns. At the office of Pine Glen Dental Group, we work with patients to optimize their dental benefits and get the care they need to maintain healthy and beautiful smiles!
Get in Touch with Pine Glen Dental Group Today
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Pine Glen Dental Group is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we’re here to help. Don’t wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.