What is a Dental Crown Procedure?
A Dental Crown Procedure places a tooth-shaped "cap" over a problem tooth to provide a more normal look by maintaining proper shape, size and strength.
A properly fitted crown looks natural, fixes smiles and helps with chewing problems. Dr. Ed wants you to have the best smile possible, so we replace crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth.
Tooth damage and loss of shape can come from injury, decay, or just time. Our staff will reshape your tooth and fit a snug crown over the top to cover the visible portion.

Same Day Dental Crown Procedure
Custom Milling Unit
We’ll design and create your crown here in the office all in one day.
CEREC is our custom crown milling unit for same day restorations. Dr. Ed Monroe takes a digital scan of your teeth with his state of the art 3D imaging camera, which eliminates the need of messy and uncomfortable impressions.
You’ll never need a temporary crown or a second visit. If you walk into our office with old and failing dentistry that’s causing you pain and discomfort, you’ll walk out with the biggest smile you’ve ever had. Your teeth will be like new.
- No Impressions
- No Temporary Crowns
- No Second Visit
- No Special Care Instructions
Dental Crown Durability
How long do Dental Crowns last?
Your personal habits and oral hygiene practices play a large part in maintaining the integrity of your crown. Following good oral hygiene practices can help you crown last up to an average of 15 years.
Things like eating ice, biting your nails, teeth grinding, and other harsh wear and tear practices can damage or shorten the life of your crown.
Can a Dental Crown be replaced?
If you've worn out the life of your crown, the expert staff at A Lifetime of Smiles can replace your failing crown with a brand new one in just one day! With a 3D scan, our custom milling unit, and a gentle procedure, you can go home the same day with a restored smile that requires no special care or follow up appointments.
Is a Dental Crown Procedure Painful?
Your comfort is our number one priority. Dr. Ed and the team at A Lifetime of Smiles have shaped their entire culture around reducing anxienty and pain that are associated with going to the dentist. We aim for gentle, pain free experiences with all our procedures.
When undergoing a dental crown procedure, anesthetics and sedation help to ensure that your procedure has minimal discomfort. If tooth pain was one of the reasons for getting a crown, you'll walk away from your crown appointment with a fresh smile and a lot less pain.
Local Crown Replacement
You don't have to travel far to get a quality dental crown. A Lifetime of Smiles is the premier place to get a crown in the Illinois Valley. Dr. Ed and his team specialize in gentle dentistry and perform pain free crown procedures for patients in the surrounding area such as Ottawa, La Salle, Peru, Oglesby, Utica, Princeton, Spring Valley, and Streator.

Serving Ottawa, IL
A Lifetime of Smiles is an easy 20 minute drive from Ottawa, IL. The commute is well worth your time to get a quality crown made right in our office. We bring you the highest level of compassion, care, and commitment to quality that you'll find in the Illinois Valley area.
Serving Streator, IL
Whether you're in Streator, Grand Ridge, Wenona, Lostant, Tonica or anywhere in the surrounding communites, you'll find that the trip to see Dr. Ed and his staff for dental crowns is worth travelling for. We'll get you out of pain and back to a beautiful smile in no time.

What Are Tooth Crowns
Tooth crowns are dental prosthetics that cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. They are custom-made caps that encase the visible portion of a tooth, extending from the gum line upwards. The primary purpose of tooth crowns is to restore the tooth's structure, enhance its functionality, and improve its appearance.
Tooth crowns are used when a tooth is severely decayed, cracked, fractured, or weakened due to extensive dental procedures or trauma. Placing a crown over the tooth provides strength and support, preventing further damage and preserving the natural tooth structure.
By covering and protecting damaged or weakened teeth, tooth crowns offer a long-lasting solution to dental issues, improving oral health and overall well-being. Dentists carefully evaluate the tooth's condition and recommend the appropriate type of crown material based on factors such as durability, esthetics, and the patient's specific needs.
Procedure for Getting Same-Day Tooth Crowns at Lifetime of Smiles
Getting a tooth crown at Lifetime of Smiles can be completed in a single day, offering convenience and immediate results. Here is a step-by-step outline of the process:
Initial Consultation
Schedule an initial consultation with our skilled dentist to evaluate your tooth and determine if a crown is appropriate. We will discuss the procedure, address any concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Tooth Preparation
Once we decide to proceed with a crown, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic for your comfort. We will then shape the tooth by removing a small portion of its outer structure to allow space for the crown.
Digital Impressions
Using advanced intraoral scanners, we will take digital impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. These precise dimensions will serve as the basis for fabricating your crown.
Shade Selection
If you choose a porcelain or ceramic crown, we will help you select the appropriate shade that matches your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend.
Same-Day Crown Fabrication
Using our in-office milling machine and CAD/CAM technology, our highly skilled dental team will fabricate your permanent crown on the same day. This ensures an accurate fit, proper bite alignment, and desirable aesthetics.
Final Crown Placement
Once your crown is ready, we will remove the temporary crown and carefully place the permanent crown onto the prepared tooth. We will assess the fit, make necessary adjustments, and ensure your functional and aesthetic expectations are met.
Bite and Final Adjustments
We will evaluate your bite and make any required adjustments for optimal comfort and functionality.
Cementation
After the final adjustments, we will permanently cement the crown using dental adhesive or cement, ensuring a secure bond to the tooth and proper alignment with adjacent teeth.
Oral Care Instructions
We will provide you with post-placement instructions for maintaining your new crown. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and scheduling routine dental check-ups to ensure the longevity and overall health of the crown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Crowns
Remember that each dental situation is unique, and the specific details and recommendations may vary. Schedule an appointment and will provide personalized information and address any questions or concerns regarding tooth crowns, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the treatment process, costs, and long-term expectations.
The cost of tooth crowns can vary depending on factors such as the material used, the case's complexity, and the dental practice's location. It is best to consult with your dentist and discuss the costs involved, including any potential insurance coverage or payment options.
Tooth crowns are designed to be durable and withstand normal chewing and biting forces. The longevity of a crown depends on various factors, including the type of material used, oral hygiene practices, habits (such as teeth grinding), and regular dental care. With proper care and maintenance, crowns can last for many years.
The lifespan of a tooth crown varies depending on the material used and how well it is maintained. On average, dental crowns can last between 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the condition of the crowns and detect any signs of wear or damage early on.
Dental insurance coverage for tooth crowns can vary depending on the specific policy and the reason for crown placement. Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of a crown, while others may consider it a cosmetic procedure and not provide coverage. It is advisable to check with your dental insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
Over time, a crown may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear or other factors such as decay or damage. If a crown becomes loose, cracked, or shows signs of deterioration, it is essential to consult your dentist. They can assess the condition of the crown and determine if replacement is necessary.
Sometimes, alternative treatment options may be available depending on the specific dental condition. If appropriate, your dentist can discuss alternative solutions, such as dental veneers or dental bonding. It is best to consult your dentist to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your needs.