I was told that I would need a crown done in one of my back teeth? What exactly is this and how much is it? Do I really need this?

In NY the cost is approx. $800. A crown is used to save a tooth that has been cracked. If you wait you may lose the tooth completely.

I believe that a crown is an old English word meaning "head". Remember when "Jack fell down and broke his crown". It also has several other related meanings, as I'm sure you all know. Similarily a dental crown is the top (head) part of the tooth.

When my molar broke in half (the top part) and exposed my dental amalgam, my dentist removed this entire section, and gave me a crown. Some of these crowns are known to last more than 10 years. Be sure to ask your dentist details about this, like what type of materials are used and how it is attached etc. He or she will be able to help you there. But, this should give you a general idea in the meantime.

A crown is not something to worry about, like a dental bridge or something like that. A crown, placed properly, can be made to just feel like your ordinary tooth.