Proudly Serving Streeterville, Chicago Since 1978
A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap that covers a damaged, weakened, or cosmetically imperfect tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. At Tilden Dental Group in Streeterville, Chicago, IL, Dr. Jessica Reddy uses high-quality porcelain and zirconia crowns that closely mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry, used following root canals, to protect cracked teeth, to restore broken or severely decayed teeth, and to improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Crown placement at Tilden Dental Group typically requires two appointments. At the first visit, Dr. Reddy prepares the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crown, takes digital impressions, and places a temporary crown to protect the tooth. The impressions are sent to a dental lab where your custom crown is fabricated. At the second appointment, the permanent crown is cemented in place and adjusted for a precise fit and comfortable bite.
Q: How long does a crown last?
A: With proper care, a porcelain or zirconia crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Avoiding habits like grinding and chewing hard objects helps extend the lifespan.
Q: Will my crown look natural?
A: Yes. Dr. Reddy uses high-quality porcelain and zirconia that are carefully matched to the color of your surrounding teeth. Most patients find their crown is indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Q: Does getting a crown hurt?
A: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia so you will not feel pain during the appointment. Some sensitivity or soreness in the days following is normal and typically resolves quickly.
Q: Can a crown fall off?
A: It is uncommon but possible if the underlying tooth structure is compromised or the crown is subjected to excessive force. If your crown comes loose, call our office immediately — do not try to recement it yourself.
Dental crowns at Tilden Dental Group in Chicago typically range from $1,200 to $2,000 per tooth depending on the material and complexity. Most insurance plans provide partial coverage for crowns when medically necessary. Flexible financing is available for patients without insurance or with remaining costs.
Crown placement requires two appointments scheduled 2 to 3 weeks apart. The first appointment takes 60 to 90 minutes; the second takes 30 to 45 minutes.
