What is a Dental Crown?

If you’ve ever been told you need a crown, you might be wondering what that actually means. Simply put, a dental crown — often called a “cap” — acts like a protective helmet for your tooth. It’s designed to cover and strengthen a tooth that’s been weakened by decay, fractures, or large fillings.

Why Would You Need a Crown?

A crown may be recommended when:

  • A tooth has cracked or chipped
  • A tooth has been filled multiple times and no longer has enough natural structure
  • You’ve had a root canal and the tooth needs added protection
  • Your dentist wants to prevent a damaged tooth from breaking further or reaching the nerve

Often, it’s best to place a crown before a tooth becomes painful. Waiting for a crack to cause pain usually means the damage is already significant — and treatment could become more complex.

Same-Day Crowns at Espire Dental with CEREC Technology

At Espire Dental, we use CEREC® same-day crown technology, which allows us to restore your tooth in just one visit — no temporary crown, no goopy impressions, and no waiting for weeks.

Here’s how it works:

  1. We take a high-resolution image of your tooth using a laser scanner — no messy impressions required.
  2. Using advanced CAD/CAM software, we custom-design your new crown right in our office.
  3. While you relax, read, or watch a movie, we craft your crown from high-quality ceramic materials.
  4. Before you leave, we bond the crown securely in place — giving you a long-lasting, natural-looking result.

The end result? A crown that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural tooth — all in a single, stress-free appointment.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Your smile is our passion — and restoring it should be simple, comfortable, and convenient. If you’ve been told you may need a crown, or you're experiencing tooth pain or cracks, schedule your consultation at Espire Dental today. Let’s protect your teeth and keep your smile strong, healthy, and beautiful!

Smiling Espire Dental La Jolla patient showing off her new smile makeover while sitting at a desk with a notebook, wearing a teal headband and looking relaxed in a bright, modern space.

Stop putting off your smile

Book your visit now—it’s easier than you think

Find your Espire location

With locations in Colorado, California, Oklahoma, and Wyoming