WhatsAppDental crowns in San José
Dr. Melania Pacheco Pinto, a dentist trained at the University of Costa Rica, places crowns to protect badly damaged teeth at her office in San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José.
What is a crown?
A crown is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth. It is used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling. The crown protects what is left of the tooth and restores its shape for chewing.
When is it recommended?
- A tooth with a very large filling.
- A cracked or broken tooth.
- A tooth that has had a root canal, which leaves it more fragile. Root canal treatment is coordinated with a specialist.
- A very worn tooth.
Materials
Crowns can be porcelain fused to metal, zirconia or porcelain, or all metal. The doctor explains which one suits the tooth, the strength of your bite and whether it shows when you smile.
What happens at the appointments?
- The doctor checks the tooth and takes an X-ray.
- With a local anesthetic, she shapes the tooth to make room for the crown.
- She takes an impression or a digital scan and picks the shade.
- She fits a temporary crown while the lab makes the final one.
- At the next visit she tries in the crown, adjusts your bite and cements it.
How long does it take?
You will usually need at least two visits, because the crown is made in a dental lab. Between visits you wear a temporary crown.
Does it hurt?
The tooth is prepared under local anesthetic. Your gum may feel a little tender for a few days afterward.
Aftercare
- While you have the temporary crown, avoid gum and very sticky or hard foods.
- Brush well around the crown and floss every day.
- Come in for a cleaning every 6 months so the crown and gum can be checked.
Price
The doctor's fees follow the minimum fee schedule of the Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas de Costa Rica, the national dental board (published January 2025). These are the minimum fees for this treatment, in Costa Rican colones:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, non-precious metal: ₡211,000
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, semi-precious metal: ₡238,000
- Zirconia or porcelain crown: ₡229,000
- All-metal crown, non-precious metal: ₡199,000
- Temporary acrylic crown: ₡48,000
- Prefabricated post and core, if the tooth needs one: ₡85,000
The final price depends on your case, and the doctor confirms it after examining you. You can pay in cash, by card or with SINPE Móvil.
Reviewed by Dr. Melania Pacheco Pinto, dentist (University of Costa Rica). Last reviewed: October 11, 2026.
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