Crowns are used for a variety of dental procedures. Some people even have multiple crowns.
Our dentists near you would be happy to tell you more about crowns and help you if you have any questions. Our dentists in Colonia, NJ can help you to know whether crowns are an indicated treatment for you. At Colonia Dental Associates, our dentists are experts with routine and cosmetic procedures.
Crowns, also known as “caps,” are replaced to protect existing teeth. They may be indicated for teeth that had large decay removed, or for teeth that don’t have enough tooth structure remaining to support a dental filling. Crowns may also be indicated to improve function or esthetics depending on the case.
Our dentists use life-life ceramic materials that give a natural appearance. A crown should look similar to your natural teeth. Our dentists work with experienced dental technicians to create a precise fit and an esthetic appearance.
The period of time a crown lasts depends upon patient care. Several factors may influence the longevity of a crown, including home care, diet, caries risk, and tooth grinding. Our dentists will review which factors may affect how long your crown(s) may last.
Crowns may be the right treatment choice for patients who have large cavities that cannot be addressed with a filling. Crowns may also be the ideal treatment for patients who have experienced fractures or a previous history of root canals, as those teeth require protection, or for cosmetic and functional concerns.
Contact our dentists at Colonia Dental Associates to learn more about crowns near you.
We serve residents of Colonia, NJ, as well as the surrounding areas of Avenel, Carteret, Clark, Edison, Fords, Iselin, Linden, Piscataway, Port Reading, Metuchen, Rahway, Sewaren, and South Plainfield.
This is a custom-made cap put over a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
You may be required to get a dental crown if you have a large cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, a weak tooth after a root canal, or to make the appearance of a discolored tooth better.
With proper care, dental crowns can remain in good shape anywhere from 10 to 15 years or longer, relying on oral hygiene and lifestyle habits.
Common types include porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, metal crowns, zirconia crowns, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, each offering different benefits.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. Some mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur after the procedure, but it usually subsides quickly.
The process typically takes two visits—one for tooth preparation and impressions and another for crown placement. Some offices offer same-day crowns using CEREC technology.
Upkeep good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, avoiding hard foods, and visiting your dentist for routine check-ups.
While the crown itself cannot decay, the underlying tooth structure can develop cavities if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
Contact your dentist immediately. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and if possible, keep the crown safe to bring it to your appointment.
At Colonia Dental Associates, crown costs vary based on your individual treatment needs and the materials selected. As a fee-for-service practice, we focus on providing high-quality crowns using premium materials and advanced techniques rather than competing on price alone. Factors affecting crown investment include the type of restoration needed, the complexity of your case, and your specific treatment goals. Since we're primarily out-of-network with most dental insurance plans (though we are in-network with Cigna and Horizon Traditional plans), we file insurance claims on your behalf to help maximize your out-of-network benefits. We offer financing through Cherry (with 24-month 0% options available) and CareCredit to make quality restorative care accessible. During your consultation, we'll provide a detailed treatment estimate and discuss all available payment options. Our crowns are designed to last, representing a valuable investment in your long-term oral health and smile aesthetics.
Dental crowns are attached using strong dental cement after your tooth is carefully prepared. The process involves removing damaged tooth structure, shaping the tooth to accommodate the crown, taking impressions, and cementing the custom-made crown in place. The cement bonds chemically and mechanically to both the crown and your prepared tooth, creating a strong, permanent attachment. Proper preparation and high-quality cement ensure crowns stay securely in place for decades.
When a tooth has extensive damage or a very large cavity, crowns are often better than large fillings. Large fillings can weaken remaining tooth structure and are more prone to fracture. Crowns provide complete protection and distribute chewing forces evenly across the entire tooth. While crowns require more tooth preparation initially, they often provide longer-lasting, more predictable results than large composite or amalgam fillings. Our dentists will recommend the best option based on your specific situation.
With permanent crowns, you can eat most foods normally, but avoid extremely hard items like ice, hard candy, or nuts that could chip the crown. Sticky foods like caramel or taffy can potentially pull off crowns, especially temporary ones. Avoid using crowned teeth as tools to open packages or crack nuts. Most patients find their crowns function just like natural teeth for biting and chewing. Temporary crowns require more caution with sticky and hard foods.