Protect, Strengthen, and Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom, tooth-shaped “cap” that fits securely over a damaged or weakened tooth. Dental crowns restore a tooth’s strength, shape, size, and appearance, while also protecting it from further damage.
At our Mt. Ephraim dental office, Dr. David A. Bond, DMD provides high-quality dental crowns that are designed to look natural, function comfortably, and last for many years.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown fully covers the visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. Once cemented into place, the crown acts as a protective shield, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence while preserving the underlying tooth structure.
Crowns are commonly used in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to rebuild teeth that can no longer function properly on their own.
When Is a Dental Crown Needed?
A dental crown may be recommended to:
-
Protect a weak tooth from breaking due to decay or cracks
-
Restore a broken or severely worn tooth
-
Support a tooth with a large filling and limited natural structure
-
Improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth
-
Cover and protect a dental implant
-
Restore a tooth after root canal therapy
During your exam, we will determine if a crown is the best treatment option for your specific dental needs.
Types of Dental Crown Materials
We offer several crown material options, each with unique benefits:
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made from alloys such as gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. They are extremely durable, resist chipping, and require minimal removal of tooth structure. Due to their metallic color, they are most commonly used on back molars that are not visible when smiling.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns combine strength and aesthetics. The porcelain exterior can be color-matched to your natural teeth, while the metal core provides durability. In some cases, a thin dark line may appear near the gum line over time.
All-Resin Crowns
All-resin crowns are a more affordable option but tend to wear down faster and are more prone to fractures compared to other materials.
All-Ceramic / All-Porcelain Crowns
These crowns offer the most natural appearance and are an excellent choice for front teeth. They are also ideal for patients with metal allergies. While highly aesthetic, they may not be as strong as metal-based crowns.
Pressed Ceramic Crowns
Pressed ceramic crowns feature a strong inner core with a porcelain exterior. They provide excellent durability along with a highly natural appearance and are more long-lasting than traditional all-porcelain crowns.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Placing a dental crown typically requires two visits:
First Visit – Tooth Preparation
-
Examination and digital X-rays of the tooth and surrounding bone
-
Removal of decay or damaged tooth structure
-
Possible root canal treatment if the tooth pulp is affected
-
Reshaping the tooth to allow room for the crown
-
Impressions taken for precise crown fabrication
-
Placement of a temporary crown for protection
Second Visit – Crown Placement
-
Removal of the temporary crown
-
Evaluation of fit, color, and bite alignment
-
Final cementation of the permanent crown
Local anesthesia may be used to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
With proper care, dental crowns can last many years. We recommend:
-
Brushing twice daily and flossing regularly
-
Avoiding chewing ice or hard objects
-
Attending routine dental cleanings and exams
Good oral hygiene helps protect both the crown and the natural tooth underneath.
Schedule a Dental Crown Consultation
If you have a damaged, weakened, or cosmetically flawed tooth, a dental crown may be the ideal solution. Our team is here to help you restore your smile comfortably and effectively.
? Call (856) 931-6671 to schedule your dental crown consultation today.
