Glendale, Arizona
Dental Crowns in Glendale, AZ
Dr. Turke designs and mills porcelain crowns in-office with CAD/CAM technology, eliminating the need for a second appointment. Same-day crowns, bridges, and full-coverage restorations are available at SmileScience Dental Spa -- so you leave with a permanent crown the same day you came in.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that encases the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. Unlike a filling, which fills a void inside the tooth, a crown replaces the entire outer surface, providing protection, structural strength, and a natural appearance simultaneously.
Crowns are the most versatile single-tooth restoration in dentistry. They restore teeth that are too damaged for a filling, protect weakened or root-canal-treated teeth from fracture, cap dental implants with a permanent artificial tooth, and serve as the anchor points for dental bridges. A well-placed crown is indistinguishable from a natural tooth to anyone who is not looking for it.
At SmileScience Dental Spa, Dr. Turke uses CAD/CAM digital technology to design and mill porcelain and zirconia crowns in-office during a single appointment, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and a second visit that traditional lab-fabricated crowns require.
When Does a Tooth Need a Crown?
Crowns are recommended when a tooth cannot be adequately restored by a filling alone. Here are the most common clinical situations where a crown is the appropriate treatment:
Large or Failed Filling
When a cavity is too large for a new filling to hold, or when an existing large filling has cracked, leaked, or broken down. A crown encases the remaining tooth structure and prevents further fracture.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A crack that extends into the dentin but not all the way to the root can be sealed and supported with a crown. Without a crown, the crack tends to propagate with biting forces until the tooth splits or develops an abscess.
After Root Canal Treatment
A tooth that has had a root canal becomes significantly more brittle. A crown placed over the tooth protects it from fracture during normal biting and chewing, which is the most common cause of root canal failure without a crown.
Dental Implant Restoration
A dental implant post integrated into the jawbone requires a crown attached to the abutment to function as a visible tooth. The implant crown is designed to match surrounding teeth in shape, size, and shade.
Worn-Down Tooth
Severe acid erosion, bruxism (tooth grinding), or years of wear can reduce a tooth's height significantly. Crowns rebuild the tooth to its original shape and restore proper bite function. A nightguard is typically recommended alongside crown placement for grinders.
Dental Bridge Anchor
A bridge spans a gap left by a missing tooth by cementing crowns onto the teeth on either side of the gap. The anchor teeth (abutments) must be crowned to support the bridge -- making proper crown preparation critical to bridge longevity.
Crown Materials -- Which Is Right for You?
The right material depends on the tooth's location, the forces it must withstand, and your aesthetic goals. Dr. Turke will recommend the best option at your consultation after reviewing your bite and X-rays.
e.max All-Ceramic (Lithium Disilicate)
IPS e.max is the premium choice for front teeth and visible premolars. It offers exceptional light translucency that mimics natural enamel, and its strength is more than sufficient for anterior teeth. Milled in-office via CAD/CAM for same-day delivery.
Best for: Front teeth, visible areas, patients prioritizing the most natural esthetics.
Zirconia
The strongest tooth-colored material available. Monolithic zirconia resists fracture under heavy bite forces, making it the first choice for posterior molars. Modern high-translucency zirconia also looks excellent, blending strength and esthetics. Available in layered and monolithic forms.
Best for: Back molars, patients with bruxism, implant crowns requiring maximum durability.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
A porcelain exterior layered over a metal substructure. PFM crowns have a long clinical track record and good strength. The main drawback is the potential for a dark metal margin to become visible at the gumline over time as gum tissue recedes. Less common now that all-ceramic options offer comparable strength.
Best for: Bridge abutments, patients with insurance plans that cover PFM as the standard.
Gold / Metal Alloy
The most durable material with the longest clinical track record. Gold is biocompatible, requires minimal tooth reduction, and is gentle on opposing teeth. Its obvious drawback is color, which limits it primarily to lower back molars. Some patients and clinicians still prefer gold for this position due to its unmatched longevity.
Best for: Lower second molars, patients who prioritize longevity over esthetics.
Same-Day CAD/CAM Crowns
Traditional lab-fabricated crowns require two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and a second appointment 2 to 3 weeks later to cement the permanent crown. In between, you wear an uncomfortable temporary crown that can fall off. SmileScience eliminates all of that.
How It Works -- One Visit, Permanent Crown
- 1Tooth preparation. The tooth is shaped under local anesthetic to receive the crown. The amount removed depends on the crown material selected -- zirconia requires slightly more reduction than e.max in some cases.
- 2Digital scan. An intraoral scanner captures a precise 3D digital model of the prepared tooth, the bite, and the surrounding teeth. No impression trays, no impression material, no gagging.
- 3CAD design. Dr. Turke designs the crown on screen using CAD software, refining the shape, contact points, and margins in real time. The design accounts for the opposing bite, adjacent teeth, and gum contour.
- 4In-office milling. The design is sent to the CAM milling unit, which carves the crown from a high-quality ceramic block in approximately 15 minutes while you relax.
- 5Try-in, adjust, cement. The milled crown is tried in, adjusted for fit and bite with articulating paper, glazed and polished if needed, then permanently cemented. You leave with a final crown the same day.
Same-Day Crown vs. Traditional Two-Visit Crown
| Feature | Same-Day | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Appointments | 1 | 2 |
| Temporary crown | None | Required |
| Wait time | None | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Impression method | Digital scan | Physical mold |
| Material quality | High | High |
Note: Some complex cases -- such as full-mouth reconstruction or cases requiring specialized lab customization -- may still benefit from lab-fabricated crowns. Dr. Turke will recommend the appropriate workflow for your specific situation.
The Crown Procedure -- What to Expect
Here is the full patient experience for a same-day crown appointment at SmileScience Dental Spa, from arrival to departure.
Exam and X-Rays
Dr. Turke examines the tooth, reviews X-rays to assess root integrity, checks for signs of infection, and confirms that a crown is the appropriate treatment. If a root canal is needed first, that is identified before any preparation begins.
Anesthesia
Topical numbing gel is applied before the local anesthetic injection to minimize any needle sensation. The tooth and surrounding gum tissue are numbed completely before preparation begins. Nitrous oxide is available for patients who want additional relaxation.
Tooth Preparation
The tooth is shaped to receive the crown. All decay is removed, and any needed buildup material is placed to create an ideal foundation. The preparation tapers toward the gumline to create a precise margin that seals out bacteria.
Digital Scan and Design
A wand-like intraoral scanner captures a full-color 3D model of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth in about 2 minutes. Dr. Turke then designs the crown digitally, tailoring the shape, cusp anatomy, and bite contacts to match your specific dentition.
Milling
The CAM unit mills the crown from a ceramic or zirconia block in approximately 15 minutes. You can watch a movie, listen to music, or simply relax. The crown emerges from the block as a fully formed restoration needing only minor finishing.
Try-In, Glazing, and Cementation
The crown is tried in dry to verify fit, margins, and bite contacts. Adjustments are made as needed. The crown is then glazed and polished for a natural surface finish, and permanently cemented with a dental adhesive. You leave with a final, permanent restoration.
Crown vs. Filling vs. Veneer -- Which Do You Need?
Patients often wonder whether they need a crown, an upgraded filling, or a veneer. Here is how we think about the decision.
| Restoration | Coverage | Best Used When | Approximate Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Filling | Fills an internal void | Cavity is small to moderate; more than 50% of tooth structure intact; no cracks present | 7 to 12 years |
| Porcelain Veneer | Covers front surface only | Front teeth with cosmetic concerns (shape, color, chips) but structurally sound; mostly intact enamel required | 10 to 20 years |
| Dental Crown | Encases entire visible tooth | Significant decay or fracture; post-root canal; implant restoration; bridgework; cracked tooth syndrome | 10 to 20+ years |
The most important factor is the amount of remaining healthy tooth structure. When a tooth has less than 50% of its natural structure intact, the forces of chewing are no longer distributed effectively by a filling, and fracture risk rises substantially. A crown distributes bite forces evenly across the entire preparation, protecting the tooth long-term.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Expected Lifespan
Porcelain (e.max) and zirconia crowns placed on well-prepared teeth by an experienced restorative dentist typically last 10 to 20 years, and often longer. Gold crowns can last 20 to 30 years or more under ideal conditions. The crown itself does not decay, but the tooth underneath it can -- which is why most crowns eventually require replacement due to recurrent decay at the margin rather than crown failure.
Several factors affect longevity: oral hygiene, bite forces, whether you grind your teeth, the quality of the original cement seal, and the precision of the margin preparation. A well-maintained crown placed with excellent marginal integrity routinely exceeds its projected lifespan.
Caring for Your Crown
- ✓ Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- ✓ Floss once daily, sliding the floss carefully under the gum margin at the crown edge
- ✓ Use a waterpik or interdental brush if flossing is difficult around the crown
- ✓ Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth -- this is the single greatest protector of crown longevity
- ✓ Avoid biting hard objects: ice, hard candy, pen caps, fingernails
- ✓ Keep all scheduled cleaning and exam appointments -- the margin area is monitored for early decay at every recall visit
- ✗ Do not use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles
Crown Cost and Insurance Coverage
What Affects the Cost?
Crown fees vary based on the material selected, the complexity of the preparation, whether a buildup is needed to create a stable foundation, and the location in the mouth. Posterior crowns on heavily loaded molars may require more preparation time than anterior crowns. An in-office CAD/CAM crown appointment may include imaging, preparation, design, milling, and cementation -- all billed in one visit.
A complete written cost estimate is provided before treatment begins, so there are no surprises. We verify your insurance benefits in advance and calculate your expected out-of-pocket responsibility clearly.
Typical Insurance Coverage
Most PPO dental insurance plans classify crowns as a "major restorative" procedure and cover 50% of the allowed fee after the annual deductible is met. Some plans distinguish between crown types and may cover porcelain crowns on posterior teeth at the same rate as PFM. Coverage resets annually, so patients with two crowns needed sometimes stagger them across the calendar year to maximize benefits.
For patients without insurance or with significant cost-sharing, financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit -- all with same-day approval and flexible monthly payment options.
What Our Patients Say
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
Frequently Asked Questions
Well-maintained porcelain and zirconia crowns typically last 10 to 20 years. Gold crowns can last even longer. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, bite forces, and whether you grind your teeth. A nightguard is strongly recommended for patients who brux, as repeated grinding forces are one of the primary causes of crown fracture and premature cement failure.
Yes. Dr. Turke selects ceramic shade and translucency to match your surrounding teeth. CAD/CAM crowns are milled from high-quality ceramic blocks with shade families designed to mimic natural enamel's layered optical properties. Most patients -- and even dentists who did not place the crown -- cannot identify a well-placed porcelain crown at normal viewing distance.
The tooth preparation is performed under local anesthetic, so you feel pressure and movement but not pain. Post-procedure soreness for a day or two after the anesthetic wears off is normal and manageable with over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Sensitivity to temperature may linger for a few weeks as the tooth nerve settles, especially if the decay was deep. If sensitivity increases or persists beyond a few weeks, contact us -- an adjustment or further evaluation may be needed.
When decay is near the pulp, there is a possibility that the tooth will need a root canal either at the time of crown preparation or some weeks later as the tooth responds to the procedure. Dr. Turke will assess the depth of decay on your X-rays and advise you of this risk before treatment. In some cases, a protective pulp-capping material is placed to encourage the nerve to wall itself off from the preparation -- avoiding a root canal entirely.
Crowns can become dislodged if the cement bond fails -- usually due to recurrent decay dissolving the cement layer, or if the crown prep lacked adequate height and the crown had less retention surface. If a crown comes off, keep it, do not chew on that side, and call us as soon as possible. Crowns should not be left off the tooth for more than a day or two as the prepared tooth is vulnerable to fracture.
Most dental insurance plans cover a percentage of crown costs when the procedure is medically necessary -- typically 50% of the allowed amount after your deductible. Coverage usually requires that the tooth be identified as needing a crown by clinical criteria, not cosmetic preference alone. Our front desk verifies your benefits before treatment and provides a written breakdown of expected costs so there are no surprises.
In most clinical situations, yes. CAD/CAM milled crowns from quality ceramic blocks (e.max, zirconia) are extremely accurate and durable, with a long clinical track record. The primary advantage of a lab-made crown is the ability to do hand layering for extremely demanding cosmetic cases -- such as a crown on a highly visible upper front tooth next to natural teeth with very specific translucency and color. Dr. Turke will tell you honestly which approach is right for your specific tooth and aesthetic goals.
Ideally within 2 to 4 weeks. A tooth that has had a root canal is significantly weakened and at high risk of vertical fracture until a crown distributes the bite forces evenly. Front teeth can sometimes go longer without a crown if a bonded buildup is placed, but back teeth should be crowned promptly. Do not put off a post-root canal crown -- a fractured root-canal-treated tooth typically requires extraction, losing all the investment in the root canal treatment.
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
Restore Your Tooth in a Single Visit
SmileScience Dental Spa in Glendale, AZ offers same-day CAD/CAM crowns so you leave with a permanent, natural-looking restoration without a temporary crown or a second appointment. Call us or book online to get started.