A healthy, strong smile helps you eat, speak, and feel confident every day. When a tooth is cracked, worn down, or badly decayed, Dr. Eric Gartner can protect it with a dental crown. Crowns are a common, safe, and long-lasting procedure.
Visit Strafford Dental in Wayne, PA, for all your restorative services. Learn more about the crown process, benefits, and how we can help you repair any dental issue.
What is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that Dr. Gartner uses to cover the entire visible part of a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, and strength and improves how the tooth looks. Think of it like a protective helmet for a weak or damaged tooth. Once a crown is in place, you can bite and chew more comfortably.
Dentists use crowns for many restorative reasons. They can save a tooth after a large cavity or a root canal. They can fix a broken or cracked tooth. They can also improve the color and shape of a tooth that does not look the way you want. Crowns are made from strong materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, or a mix of porcelain and metal. Many crowns today are tooth-colored, so they blend in with your smile.
A well-made crown fits snugly and feels natural. It can last many years with good care. Most crowns last 10 to 15 years or even longer, depending on your bite, habits like grinding, and your home care routine.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Getting a dental crown usually takes one or two visits, depending on the type of crown and your dentist’s technology.
First visit: exam and preparation
- Exam and X-rays: Dr. Gartner reviews your tooth and may take X-rays to check the roots and bone. If the tooth is infected or the decay is deep, you may need a root canal before the crown.
- Numbing the tooth: Dr. Gartner numbs the area to keep you comfortable.
- Shaping the tooth: A small amount of enamel is gently removed to make room for the crown. This step helps the crown fit well and feel natural.
- Impression or digital scan: Dr. Gartner takes a mold or a digital 3D scan of your tooth and bite. This guides the dental lab (or in-office system) to craft your custom crown.
- Temporary crown: If your crown is made in a lab, you’ll leave with a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is made. It’s normal for a temporary crown to feel a little different.
Second visit: placing the permanent crown
- Removing the temporary: The temporary crown comes off, and the tooth is cleaned.
- Fitting the crown: Dr. Gartner checks the fit, color, and bite. Small adjustments are made so the crown feels just right.
- Cementing the crown: The crown is bonded to your tooth with a strong dental cement. You’ll be asked to bite down gently while it sets.
Some offices offer same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology (called CEREC crowns). With this option, Dr. Gartner can scan, design, and place a ceramic crown in a single visit. There is no temporary crown and no second appointment, which is very convenient.
After your crown is placed, it’s common to have mild sensitivity for a few days. Avoid very sticky or hard foods at first if you recently received a temporary crown. Brush twice a day, floss daily (slide floss out gently near a temporary crown), and keep up with checkups. If your bite feels off or you notice soreness that doesn’t go away, call Dr. Gartner for a quick adjustment.
Reasons for Needing A Dental Crown
Dr. Gartner may recommend a tooth crown for the following reasons:
- A large cavity or filling has weakened the tooth
- A cracked, broken, or worn-down tooth needs strength and protection
- After a root canal to seal and support the tooth
- To cover a dental implant as the new visible tooth
- To improve the shape, size, or color of a better-looking smile
- To hold a dental bridge in place by crowning the teeth next to a gap
- To protect teeth from grinding or heavy biting forces
- To replace old, failing crowns with new, tooth-colored options
If a tooth is too damaged for a filling but can still be saved, a crown is the best choice. It protects the remaining tooth structure and helps prevent future breaks. Crowns can also make your smile more even and bright, especially when used alongside other cosmetic treatments.
Types of Crowns
Dr. Gartner will help you choose the best type based on the tooth’s location, your bite, your goals, and your budget:
- All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: These are popular for front teeth and visible areas because they look very natural and are tooth-colored. They are metal-free and a great choice for people with metal sensitivities. Modern ceramics can also work well on back teeth in many cases.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a very strong ceramic. These crowns are durable and more resistant to chipping. They can be tooth-colored and are good for back teeth, where you chew the most.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns: These have a metal base with porcelain on the outside. They are strong and have been used for many years. In some cases, a fine dark line near the gum may appear over time as gums naturally shift.
- Full Metal Crowns (gold or other alloys): Extremely strong and long-lasting. They are great for molars that do most of the chewing. They don’t chip, but they are not tooth-colored, so they are less common for front teeth.
- Stainless Steel Crowns: Used for children’s primary teeth when a quick, strong solution is needed. They are pre-formed and placed in one visit.
Some crowns are made in a dental lab and take about 1-2 weeks to return. Others are same-day crowns made in the office using digital scans and milling machines. Both options can deliver excellent results. What matters most is proper diagnosis, precise preparation, and a crown that fits your bite well.
Patient Review
Why Choose Us for Crowns in Wayne, PA?
Choosing the right dentist for your crown makes all the difference. At Strafford Dental, we don’t just place a crown; we restore your tooth with precision and care, backed by a legacy of trust.
- A Legacy of Expertise: Our practice has been a part of the Wayne community for over 40 years. Dr. Eric Gartner grew up in this practice and trained at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He combines deep-rooted experience with modern, world-class training.
- Patient-First, Not Insurance-First: We plan your treatment based on what’s best for your tooth, not what an insurance company dictates. We believe in listening to your goals and creating a plan that prioritizes your comfort and long-term health.
- Gentle, Comfortable Care: We know dental visits can be stressful. We offer gentle numbing techniques and a calm, unhurried environment. If you’re anxious, we can discuss sedation options to help you relax.
- High-Quality, Natural-Looking Materials: We use durable, tooth-colored materials like porcelain and zirconia that blend beautifully with your smile and are built to last.
- Family-Focused Environment: We are a referral-based practice that has cared for generations of families. When you choose us, you’re not just a patient; you’re part of the Strafford Dental family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental crown cost in Wayne, PA?
The cost of a dental crown depends on the material you choose, the location of the tooth, and your specific dental insurance plan. On average, crowns can range from $800 to $2,500 per tooth. Porcelain and zirconia crowns tend to cost more, while metal crowns are more affordable.
Many dental insurance plans cover about 50% of the cost if the crown is medically necessary. Our team will review your benefits, explain all costs, and provide a clear estimate before any treatment begins.
How long does it take to get a dental crown?
The process typically takes two appointments over a couple of weeks if your crown is made in a dental lab. During the first visit, we prepare your tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown. At the second visit, we remove the temporary and cement your permanent crown. Some practices, including ours, offer same-day crowns using advanced digital technology, which allows you to get your final crown in just one visit.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
No, the procedure is not painful. We use local anesthesia to completely numb your tooth and the surrounding area. You may feel some pressure during the preparation and fitting, but you shouldn’t feel any sharp pain. After the numbing wears off, it’s common to have mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days. This is normal and usually subsides quickly as your tooth adjusts to the new crown.
How do I care for my dental crown?
You care for a crowned tooth just like your natural teeth. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily around the crown to prevent plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or using your teeth to open packages. If you grind your teeth at night, we can make a custom night guard to protect your crown and your other teeth from excessive wear.
Will a dental crown look completely natural, or will people be able to tell it’s not my real tooth?
That’s the most common question we hear. If it’s done right, no one will know except you and your dentist. Dr. Gartner uses high-quality porcelain and zirconia materials that mimic the way natural enamel catches light. We match the shade to your surrounding teeth and shape the crown to fit your smile.
Most of our patients leave with crowns that blend in so well, even they forget which tooth was worked on. The key is the dentist’s skill and the lab’s quality, both of which we take very seriously.
What happens if my crown falls off or feels loose?
First, don’t panic because this is rare, but it can happen. If your crown comes off, call our office right away. In the meantime, keep the crown safe and don’t try to glue it back in with household adhesives.
If the tooth underneath feels sensitive, you can apply a tiny bit of temporary dental cement from a drugstore or even some sugar-free gum to cover the exposed area. We’ll get you in quickly to clean the tooth, check the fit, and re-cement the crown properly. Most of the time, it’s a simple fix.
Can I get a crown if I grind my teeth at night?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, if you grind your teeth, a crown might be exactly what you need to protect a worn or cracked tooth. However, grinding puts extra pressure on any dental work. That’s why we recommend a custom night guard along with your crown.
The guard acts like a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force and protecting both your crown and your natural teeth. We make these in-house, so they fit comfortably, and you won’t even notice you’re wearing one.
Ready to Restore Your Tooth?
A dental crown can protect your tooth, improve your bite, and refresh your smile. Whether you need to fix a cracked tooth, restore a tooth after a root canal, or improve the look of your smile, a crown is a strong and attractive solution. To schedule a visit, call us at 610-600-1559 or request an appointment online.
Your dentist in Wayne, PA, will examine your tooth, explain your options, and help you choose the best fit for your smile.