The practice formerly known as Distinctive Dental Care of Bloomingdale is now Serenity Dental of Bloomingdale — under new ownership by Dr. Husna Khan, DDS, at the same Bloomingdale location.

Serenity Dental of Bloomingdale

Restorative Dentistry

Dental crowns in Bloomingdale, IL

Dental crowns protect teeth that are cracked, heavily decayed, root-canal-treated, or structurally weakened. Dr. Husna Khan and the Serenity Dental team provide zirconia, porcelain, and gold crowns with digital impressions, written estimates before treatment, and careful attention to bite and fit.

The goal is restoration that lasts: protect the remaining tooth, restore chewing function, and produce a crown that looks and feels natural. Most crowns are completed over 2 visits (2-3 weeks apart) and cost varies depending on material, with insurance typically covering 50 percent.

Last updated: April 2026 Digital impressions used in most cases Written estimates before treatment
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Zirconia and porcelain dental crowns at Serenity Dental of Bloomingdale

How long do crowns last?

Modern crowns typically last 10 to 15 years. Zirconia and gold crowns often last 20+ years with good hygiene and no bruxism. Regular exams catch problems early.

Does it hurt?

The tooth is numbed before any preparation. You feel pressure and vibration, not pain. Mild cold sensitivity for 1 to 2 weeks afterward is normal as the tooth adjusts.

Same-day crown or two visits?

Traditional crowns take 2 visits over 2 to 3 weeks. CEREC same-day crowns can be completed in one visit. Dr. Husna Khan discusses which approach is right for your case.

What a dental crown is

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. Crowns are cemented or bonded in place and function like the natural tooth -- chewing, biting, and looking natural. Crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or structurally weakened to be repaired with a filling alone.

Modern crowns are made from zirconia, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold alloy. Digital impressions have largely replaced older rubbery impression materials, making the process faster and more comfortable. At Serenity Dental, most crowns use digital scanning and are fabricated by an on-site or trusted partner dental lab.

Crown materials at a glance

The right material depends on tooth location, bite forces, esthetic priorities, and insurance coverage. Here is how the main options compare:

Material Appearance Lifespan Typical cost Best for
Zirconia Tooth-colored 15-25 years Varies Most back teeth, high bite forces
Lithium disilicate (e.max) Excellent 10-20 years Varies Front teeth, premolars
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Good 10-15 years Varies Budget option, posterior teeth
Gold alloy Gold color 20-30+ years Varies Back teeth, durability priority
Stainless steel Silver Pediatric use Varies Baby teeth, temporary adult

Zirconia is the most common adult crown material at Serenity Dental today -- it offers excellent durability, natural appearance, and conservative tooth preparation. Lithium disilicate is preferred for highly visible front teeth where esthetics are paramount. Gold remains an option for patients prioritizing maximum longevity.

Dental crown cost

Crown pricing depends primarily on material choice. Additional costs may apply if a buildup, post and core, or crown lengthening is needed before the crown itself.

Crown cost breakdown

  • Zirconia crown: varies cash; varies with 50% PPO
  • Lithium disilicate: varies cash; varies with 50% PPO
  • PFM crown: varies cash; varies with 50% PPO
  • Gold crown: varies (varies with gold market)
  • Same-day CEREC: Similar to lab-made, saves a visit

Possible additional costs

  • Buildup (D2950): varies if significant tooth missing
  • Post and core: varies for root-canaled teeth
  • Crown lengthening: varies if gum surgery needed
  • Temporary crown: Usually included in crown fee
  • Digital impression: Usually included in crown fee

PPO insurance typically covers crowns at 50 percent as a major restorative service, subject to annual maximum (varies per year). Pre-authorization is often required. Serenity Dental verifies benefits, submits pre-estimates when helpful, and provides written cost estimates before any work begins.

When a crown is needed

Common reasons for a crown

  • Cracked tooth with visible fracture line
  • Very large cavity or failing filling covering most of the tooth
  • After a root canal (especially on back teeth)
  • Broken or chipped tooth missing a cusp
  • Severely worn tooth from bruxism or acid erosion
  • Cosmetic reconstruction of discolored or malformed tooth

When a filling is enough instead

  • Small to medium cavity with intact cusps
  • At least 60-70 percent of tooth structure remaining
  • No cracks extending into the tooth
  • No prior root canal treatment
  • Normal bite forces on the tooth

The decision between filling, inlay/onlay, and crown depends primarily on how much healthy tooth remains after decay or damage is removed. Dr. Husna Khan evaluates each tooth individually and discusses the options with expected longevity and cost before treatment is scheduled.

The crown procedure step-by-step

Visit 1 -- Step 1

Numbing (5-10 min)

Topical gel, then local anesthesia. Full numbness in 5-7 minutes before preparation starts.

Visit 1 -- Step 2

Preparation (45-60 min)

Tooth is shaped to receive the crown. Decay removed, buildup placed if needed.

Visit 1 -- Step 3

Digital impression (10-15 min)

3D scanner captures tooth shape. Shade is matched. Temporary crown placed.

Visit 2 (2-3 weeks later)

Final cementation (30-45 min)

Temporary removed, permanent crown tried in, bite checked, then cemented.

Same-day CEREC crowns condense the entire process into a single 90-120 minute visit. The crown is designed on computer and milled in-office. Same-day crowns are ideal for single-tooth cases where the patient prefers to avoid a second appointment.

Aftercare and what feels normal

Crown aftercare is straightforward but has some specific considerations during the temporary phase and immediately after final cementation.

During the temporary phase (2-3 weeks)

  • Avoid sticky foods (gum, caramel, taffy)
  • Avoid very hard foods (ice, hard candy, nuts)
  • Floss carefully -- pull floss out to the side, not up
  • Temporary sensitivity to cold is normal
  • Call if the temporary falls off or feels very high

After the final crown (first 2 weeks)

  • Eat normally once numbness wears off (2-4 hours)
  • Mild cold and pressure sensitivity for 1-2 weeks
  • Brush and floss normally
  • Watch for bite feeling high -- easy 5-min adjustment
  • Call for sharp pain or pain that wakes you at night

Crown vs filling: how the decision is made

The most common question patients ask is whether a crown is really necessary or if a filling would suffice. The answer depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains.

A filling works when

  • Small to medium cavity (less than 1/3 of tooth)
  • Most of the tooth walls are intact
  • No cracks visible beyond the cavity
  • No prior root canal
  • Normal bite forces on the tooth

A crown is recommended when

  • More than half the tooth is missing or decayed
  • Tooth has cracks extending into the structure
  • Tooth has had a root canal
  • Very large existing filling has failed
  • Cusp (tooth point) has broken off

An inlay or onlay is a third option between a filling and a crown -- a lab-made porcelain restoration that covers more of the tooth than a filling but less than a crown. Dr. Husna Khan discusses all applicable options with expected longevity and cost before treatment is scheduled.

Crown after a root canal

Teeth that have had root canal treatment are more brittle than healthy teeth because they no longer receive blood or nerve supply. On back teeth (molars and premolars), a crown is strongly recommended after a root canal to protect the tooth from fracturing under chewing pressure. Fracture rates for root-canaled molars without crowns are significantly higher than those with crowns per American Association of Endodontists outcome data.

Front teeth with root canals may not always need crowns if the tooth structure is intact and bite forces are light. For more on root canal treatment, see the root canal service page.

When a crown needs replacement

Crowns do not last forever. Clinical signs that a crown needs replacement include visible recurrent decay at the margin, fracture of the crown, a crown that is loose or has fallen off, marginal leakage causing sensitivity, or a tooth developing a new issue underneath. Age alone is not a reason to replace a functional crown.

Crowns are assessed visually and with bitewing X-rays at routine exams. Dr. Husna Khan recommends replacement only when clinical signs of failure are present, never based on age alone.

Insurance and payment options

Most dental PPO plans cover crowns at 50 percent as a major restorative service after deductible. Annual maximums typically apply (varies per year). Pre-authorization is often required. Some plans have waiting periods (6-12 months) for major services on new enrollments.

Serenity Dental verifies benefits before treatment, submits pre-estimates when helpful, and offers financing options for crowns when needed. Cost transparency before treatment is standard practice here.

Quick facts

Treatment time60 to 90 minutes for prep; placed 1 to 3 weeks later
AnesthesiaLocal anesthesia for prep; placement is painless
MaterialsZirconia, lithium disilicate, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold
Lifespan10 to 20 years; 10-year survival 90%+
Typical costvaries per crown
Visits2 visits typical (prep + cement); same-day available with CEREC

Clinical references

We rely on guidance from established clinical organizations. The references below inform how we explain options, expected outcomes, and aftercare on this page.

For patient education only. Treatment recommendations depend on individual diagnosis. Reviewed by Dr. Husna Khan, DDS.

Dental crown FAQs

How much does a dental crown cost?
A dental crown typically varies per tooth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns run varies all-ceramic or zirconia crowns varies and gold crowns varies depending on market gold prices. Most PPO insurance plans cover crowns at 50 percent after deductible, bringing patient cost to varies per tooth. Serenity Dental verifies benefits and provides written estimates before treatment.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years with good care, though many last 20 or more years. Zirconia crowns often last 15 to 25 years, gold crowns 20 to 30+ years, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns 10 to 15 years. Lifespan depends on the tooth's location, bite forces, oral hygiene, and whether the patient grinds teeth. Regular checkups catch failing crowns early before the underlying tooth is affected.
Does getting a crown hurt?
Getting a crown is not typically painful because the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before any preparation. Most patients feel pressure and vibration during the procedure, not pain. Mild sensitivity to cold and pressure for 1 to 2 weeks afterward is normal as the tooth adjusts. Sharp or throbbing pain after a crown usually indicates a bite that needs adjustment -- call the office for a quick recheck if this happens.
What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling restores a tooth when most of the tooth structure is still healthy. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth when significant structure is missing, cracked, or weakened. Fillings cost varies and are done in one visit; crowns cost varies and usually require two visits. Crowns are recommended when a filling would not reliably hold or when the tooth needs full coverage for protection.
What are dental crowns made of?
The main crown materials are zirconia (white ceramic, very durable, 15-25 year lifespan), porcelain-fused-to-metal or PFM (ceramic exterior over metal core, 10-15 years), all-ceramic or lithium disilicate (pure ceramic, 10-20 years, best esthetics), gold alloy (20-30+ years, most durable, gold color), and stainless steel (used mainly for pediatric crowns or temporary adult crowns). Material selection depends on tooth location, bite forces, and esthetic priorities.
How long does it take to get a crown?
A traditional crown is completed in 2 appointments over 2 to 3 weeks. The first visit (90 to 120 minutes) involves tooth preparation, impressions, and placement of a temporary crown. The dental lab fabricates the permanent crown in 1 to 3 weeks. The second visit (30 to 45 minutes) removes the temporary and cements the final crown. Same-day crowns with CEREC technology can be completed in a single 90 to 120 minute visit.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, yes, especially for back teeth (molars and premolars). Root canal treatment removes the tooth's blood and nerve supply, making the remaining tooth structure more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown protects the weakened tooth from breaking under chewing pressure. Front teeth that have had root canals may not always need crowns if the tooth structure is intact and not under heavy bite forces, but this is a case-by-case decision.
Can a crown fall off?
Yes, crowns can come loose or fall off, though this is uncommon with well-placed crowns. Causes include cement breakdown over years, recurrent decay under the crown, crown fracture, trauma, or sticky/hard foods pulling on the crown. If your crown falls off, save it, avoid chewing on that side, and call the office within 1 to 2 days. Most loose crowns can be re-cemented in a single short visit if the underlying tooth is still healthy.
Does dental insurance cover crowns?
Most dental PPO plans cover crowns at 50 percent after deductible as a major restorative service. Annual maximums typically apply (varies per year), so a single crown often uses most or all of the yearly benefit. Pre-authorization is often required. Some plans have missing tooth clauses or waiting periods for major services. Serenity Dental verifies benefits, submits pre-estimates, and discusses financing options before scheduling.
What is a chipped tooth crown?
A chipped tooth crown is a crown placed on a tooth that has been chipped, cracked, or broken and needs more than a filling can provide. Crowns cover the entire visible tooth, reinforcing the remaining structure and preventing further fracture. Small chips may be repaired with bonding or veneers; larger chips or cracks that extend into the tooth structure typically need crowns for long-term protection.
How much is a crown without insurance?
Without insurance, a dental crown varies per tooth in the United States. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are the most affordable at varies lithium disilicate (e.max) ceramic crowns run varies zirconia crowns range varies and gold crowns vary varies based on gold prices. Some dental practices offer cash discounts of 5 to 15 percent for non-insured patients. Serenity Dental of Bloomingdale provides written cost estimates before treatment and discusses monthly payment plans through Cherry, CareCredit, and Sunbit.
Are dental crowns permanent? Do they need to be replaced?
Dental crowns are not permanent. Crowns last 10 to 25 years on average, with replacement typically needed once or twice in a lifetime for crowns placed in early adulthood. The American Dental Association classifies crowns as long-term restorations, not permanent ones. Replacement is needed when decay develops at the margin, the crown becomes loose, the crown fractures, the gum recedes exposing the dark substructure, or the chewing surface wears down. Routine 6-month exams catch most failures early.
What are the disadvantages of dental crowns?
Crowns have five main disadvantages. First, the underlying tooth must be reduced 1 to 2 millimeters on each surface, removing healthy tooth structure permanently. Second, crowns cost varies per tooth, more than fillings or inlays. Third, mild post-procedure sensitivity is common for 1 to 4 weeks. Fourth, all-ceramic crowns may chip or crack under heavy bite forces. Fifth, crowns are not permanent and need replacement every 10 to 25 years on average. Choosing a crown only when smaller restorations cannot work avoids unnecessary tooth reduction.

Educational content only. Recommendations are personalized after an exam and any needed imaging.

Learn more about dental crowns

In-depth guides on specific crown topics, written by Dr. Husna Khan and reviewed against American Dental Association clinical recommendations.

Root Canal

Pain After a Root Canal: Normal vs Concerning

Post-root-canal pain timeline -- what is normal, how long soreness should last, when pain after 7 days signals a problem, and when to call your dentist.

Root Canal

Root Canal Procedure: Step by Step What Actually Happens

The root canal procedure explained step-by-step -- tooth anatomy, anesthesia, cleaning and shaping, obturation, temporary filling, and the final crown.

Ready to discuss a crown?

Whether you have a cracked tooth, a failing old crown, a tooth that just had a root canal, or you are weighing crown vs filling options, Serenity Dental provides honest recommendations with written cost estimates before treatment. Call (630) 359-0105 to schedule an evaluation.

Book an Evaluation Call (630) 359-0105

Memberships & Affiliations

Member, Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce Member, Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce