A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance, typically lasting 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. Whether you have a large cavity, a fractured tooth, or a tooth weakened after a root canal, a crown can provide the protection and durability you need to restore your smile.
Dr. Ashlee N. Apratim, D.M.D., and Dr. Gurjinder Singh, D.M.D., are both Associate Fellows of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and completed the Rutgers University AAID MaxiCourse, giving them the restorative training to place crowns that hold up structurally as well as cosmetically.
A crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, acting like a cap that protects and preserves what remains. Common reasons we recommend one include:
Common types of dental crowns include porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, metal crowns, zirconia crowns, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. Each option offers different benefits in terms of durability, appearance, and cost. Our team will help you choose the right material based on the location of the tooth, your bite, and your treatment goals.
Preparation
Your dentist removes decay and reshapes the tooth so the crown fits properly, then takes impressions and places a temporary crown.
Lab Fabrication
Your impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom crown is fabricated to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth.
Placement
At your second visit, the permanent crown is checked for fit and color, then bonded securely in place using dental cement.
Caring for a dental crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or hard candy. While the crown itself cannot develop a cavity, the tooth underneath still needs protection through consistent oral hygiene and routine checkups.
When a tooth has extensive damage or a very large cavity, crowns are often a better option than large fillings, which can weaken remaining tooth structure. Crowns provide complete protection and distribute chewing forces evenly across the entire tooth.
Dr. Ashlee N. Apratim, D.M.D.
Associate Fellow, AAID · Rutgers AAID MaxiCourse · Honors in Prosthodontics, UMDNJ
Dr. Apratim graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with honors in prosthodontics, giving her particular expertise in crown and restoration design and material selection.
Dr. Gurjinder Singh, D.M.D.
Associate Fellow, AAID · Rutgers AAID MaxiCourse · Residency, Monmouth Medical Center
Dr. Singh earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from UMDNJ and completed a one-year residency at Monmouth Medical Center across all dental disciplines, including restorative crown and bridge work.
Crown costs vary based on your individual treatment needs and the materials selected. We accept major PPO plans with out-of-network benefits and are in-network with Cigna PPO and Horizon Traditional plans. We file insurance claims on your behalf to help maximize your benefits, and financing is available through CareCredit and Cherry, including 24-month 0% interest options.
Learn more about our insurance and financing options.
We serve residents of Colonia, NJ, as well as the surrounding areas of Woodbridge, Avenel, Carteret, Clark, Edison, Fords, Iselin, Linden, Piscataway, Port Reading, Metuchen, Rahway, Sewaren, and South Plainfield.
Both Dr. Apratim and Dr. Singh are Associate Fellows of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. CareCredit and Cherry financing are available. To schedule your appointment, contact us online or call 732-381-7171 today.
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.
Keep the crown safe and avoid chewing on that side. Contact our office as soon as possible so we can re-cement or replace it.
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.