Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a permanent restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, helping restore its strength, function, and appearance. Sometimes called a “cap,” a crown is custom-made to fit over your natural tooth and is designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
At Torresdale Dental Associates, we use durable, high-quality materials to create crowns that are both strong and natural-looking. Whether your tooth has been weakened by decay, fractured from an injury, or needs protection after another procedure, a custom crown can help preserve your natural tooth for years to come.
Crowns are best for:
Patients with a discolored, misshapen, cracked, weakened, heavily filled, or severely decayed tooth that needs additional protection
Benefits of dental crowns
Dental crowns are designed to protect teeth while restoring a healthy, attractive smile. Benefits include:
- Strengthen weakened or damaged teeth
- Protect teeth from further fracture
- Restore chewing function
- Improve the appearance of chipped or discolored teeth
- Provide long-lasting, natural-looking results
- Help preserve your natural tooth whenever possible
What to expect during treatment
Most crowns are completed over two appointments.
First Visit
We’ll remove any damaged or weakened tooth structure and carefully prepare the tooth for its new restoration. A digital impression is taken so your custom crown can be fabricated, and you’ll leave with a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
Second Visit
Approximately three weeks later, you’ll return to have your custom crown placed. Once it’s bonded into place, the crown will look, feel, and function much like a natural tooth. While you’re wearing your temporary crown, we recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods on that side of your mouth. Once your permanent crown is placed, you can generally care for it just like your natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tooth with a crown still my natural tooth?
Yes! Think of a crown as a tooth that has a protective helmet. Your natural tooth remains underneath, but the crown simply restores and protects it.
Will my crown look natural?
Yes. We typically place all-ceramic crowns that closely resemble the color and appearance of your natural teeth, creating a beautiful, seamless smile.
What materials are crowns made from?
Most of our crowns are made from a strong ceramic material called zirconia, although we also use e.max ceramic and gold when they are the best option for a particular situation. We’ll recommend the material that’s most appropriate for your needs.
Do I need a root canal before getting a crown?
Not necessarily. While crowns are commonly placed after root canal therapy, they are also used to strengthen teeth that have not had root canal treatment. In many cases, placing a crown early can actually help protect a weakened tooth and reduce the risk of future problems.
Do I need a crown for a cavity, or would a filling be enough?
That depends on how much of the tooth has been damaged. Small cavities are often treated successfully with fillings. When a cavity or fracture is larger, a crown provides greater strength because it covers the entire tooth and is made from a stronger material than a filling. Larger fillings can fracture.
What’s the difference between a filling and a crown?
There are several differences. A filling replaces a smaller portion of a tooth and is shaped directly inside your mouth. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth and is custom-made outside the mouth before being permanently placed. Because crowns are made from stronger materials, they’re often recommended for larger cavities, fractures, or heavily restored teeth.
Why choose us for dental crowns in Northeast Philadelphia?
Our goal is always to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. Patients choose Torresdale Dental Associates because we provide honest recommendations, gentle care, and high-quality restorations designed to look great and last. We take the time to evaluate each tooth carefully and recommend a crown only when it’s truly the best treatment option.
If you have a damaged, cracked, or weakened tooth, we can help determine whether a dental crown is the right solution. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation. Also, if your insurance requires a pre-treatment estimate, our team can often submit a predetermination to help you better understand your coverage before treatment begins.
Ready to protect your smile?
Related Services
Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a tooth-colored material that is used to treat a tooth with a cavity. Once the cavity is gently removed, the filling is placed to seamlessly restore the tooth to its original form and function.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy addresses toothaches or large cavities. The whole process is completed comfortably while you are numb so you do not feel pain.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is dedicated to repairing damaged teeth and replacing missing ones so you can smile confidently, speak clearly, and enjoy the full function and comfort of a healthy mouth.