A dental crown is a cap made to fit over your natural tooth or an implant abutment. It rebuilds the tooth’s shape, reinforces fragile enamel, and can dramatically improve how your smile looks when front teeth are involved. At Dr Lachance Dental Clinic, located downtown at Complexe Desjardins, we combine digital planning with high-quality ceramics so your crown feels stable, meets your bite comfortably, and blends with neighbouring teeth. Whether you cracked a molar on tough food, finished root canal therapy, or need to replace an old failing filling, dental crowns in Montréal are one of the most versatile treatments we offer.
What is a dental crown?
A crown covers the entire portion of the tooth that sits above the gum line (and sometimes slightly below it for retention). It is cemented or bonded into place and becomes the new outer shell of the tooth. Materials include tooth-coloured ceramics, strong zirconia, layered porcelain-on-metal, and — less commonly today — gold alloys for back teeth where durability matters most.
Crowns differ from veneers, which only cover the front surface for cosmetic reasons, and from fillings, which restore smaller cavities inside the tooth. When too much structure is missing for a filling or onlay, a crown is the predictable choice.
When do you need a dental crown?
Your dentist may recommend a crown if:
- The tooth has a large filling that weakens the walls or has recurrent decay
- You have a crack or fracture that causes pain when chewing
- You completed root canal treatment on a back tooth — molars especially need crowns to prevent splitting
- You are restoring a single tooth on top of a dental implant (learn about implants in Montréal)
- You want to improve the shape or colour of a front tooth when whitening or bonding are not enough
- An older crown is chipped, leaking at the margin, or causing gum irritation
During your exam we assess enamel thickness, bite forces, gum health, and your cosmetic goals before recommending material and design.
Types of dental crowns we use
All-ceramic or porcelain crowns
Ideal for front teeth where light must pass naturally through enamel. Modern ceramics offer lifelike translucency and excellent stain resistance.
Zirconia crowns
Extremely strong and chip-resistant — excellent for molars and patients who grind. Can be coloured to match adjacent teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)
A metal core with a porcelain outer layer. Still useful when maximum strength is needed in tight spaces, though the margin may appear slightly less aesthetic than all-ceramic options.
Gold or metal alloys
Chosen occasionally for second molars where appearance is less important and minimal tooth reduction is desired.
The crown procedure — what to expect
Most crown treatments take two visits, sometimes condensed when digital workflows allow:
- Visit 1 — Preparation: We numb the tooth, remove decay or old filling material, and shape the tooth so the crown fits without bulky edges. A digital or traditional impression captures the exact anatomy.
- Temporary crown: You leave with a protective acrylic cap while the laboratory fabricates the final crown.
- Visit 2 — Cementation: We try in the crown, verify contacts and bite with articulating paper, then bond or cement it permanently. Minor adjustments polish the occlusion so chewing feels natural.
If you have discomfort from a broken tooth, call our team — we reserve same-day slots for emergency dentist appointments in Montréal when pain or sharp edges put your tooth at risk.
How long do dental crowns last?
With good hygiene and regular checkups, crowns often last 10–15 years or longer. Risk factors that shorten lifespan include grinding without a night guard, chewing ice or pens, untreated gum disease that exposes crown margins, and skipping professional cleanings.
Dental crown cost in Montréal
In Quebec, a single crown typically ranges roughly from $1,000 to $1,600 before insurance, depending on material (zirconia vs layered porcelain), laboratory fees, and whether buildup posts or gum contouring are needed. We provide an itemized estimate before treatment begins. Many private plans cover a percentage of basic restorative work; we help verify eligibility.
Caring for your crown
- Brush twice daily and floss daily — yes, you still floss around crowned teeth
- Use a night guard if you clench or grind
- Avoid using teeth as tools or biting extremely hard foods with crowned molars
- Visit us every six months for exams and professional cleaning
Frequently asked questions — dental crowns Montréal
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is fully numb during preparation. Mild sensitivity for a few days after temporary placement or final cementation is common and usually resolves.
Can I whiten a crowned tooth?
Crown porcelain does not respond to bleaching gel the way natural enamel does. If you plan whitening, we usually recommend completing it first, then matching the new crown shade.
Is a crown better than a large filling?
When more than about half the tooth structure is gone, a crown distributes biting forces more safely and reduces the risk of fracture.
Questions about dental crowns? Book at our downtown Montréal clinic or call (514) 845-7121.