Transform Your Smile and Boost Your Oral Health with Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are small, but they have multiple uses in dentistry. Your Middletown dentist can use dental crowns to:

• Strengthen a weakened tooth: A crown reinforces a weakened tooth or holds a cracked tooth together.
• Improve aesthetics: Crowns can enhance the appearance of a misshapen or stubbornly discolored tooth.
• Repair significant damage: A dental crown is preferable to a filling or onlay if there isn’t enough remaining structure.
• Replace a missing tooth: We use dental crowns to complete dental implants or bridges to fill gaps left by missing teeth.

Yes! Dental crowns come in several types, each designed for different needs. Porcelain and zirconia crowns are the most natural-looking. Their aesthetics make them ideal for front teeth, although they can be used anywhere in the mouth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer a balance of strength and aesthetics. However, they can wear out over time, revealing a visible dark appearance at the gum line. Metal or gold crowns are very durable, but they don’t offer the best aesthetic appeal.

Placing dental crowns requires 2-3 appointments. After examining your tooth with X-rays, the dentist prepares it by removing some enamel on all sides. Next, the dentist takes precise scans of your tooth and sends them to our trusted partner lab for fabrication. It takes 2-3 weeks for the dental lab to manufacture your crown. Meanwhile, we’ll place a temporary crown on your tooth.

Once your permanent crown arrives at our office, we’ll contact you to schedule your appointment. During this visit, the dentist will carefully check the crown’s color, shape, and fit to ensure it looks natural and feels comfortable. If everything is just right, she will use strong adhesives to secure your crown.

Porcelain crowns can last 10-15 years, while metal crowns can last up to 20 years. Good maintenance prolongs the longevity of your restorations. So, brush and floss your teeth diligently and visit your dentist routinely for cleanings and check-ups.  

A dental crown covers the entire tooth, restoring its strength and function when it is severely damaged or weakened. A veneer only covers the front surface of a tooth. Dr. Rafetto uses veneers to enhance the appearance of discolored, worn-down, or uneven teeth. Generally, dental crowns are restorative, while veneers are primarily cosmetic.

The cost depends on the material used and the complexity of your case. We always provide a precise cost breakdown after consultation. We’ll also explore how we can make your treatment affordable with insurance or dental financing.

Untreated problems don’t go away. They get worse. If a damaged or decayed tooth isn’t treated, the damage progresses and may lead to deeper infections or even tooth loss. A dental crown protects what is left to avoid bigger, more costly repairs down the road.

Not during the procedure. We numb the area with effective anesthetics, so you shouldn’t feel pain as we work on you. However, some mild soreness or sensitivity afterward is normal and fades within a few days. We’ll provide personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a seamless recovery.  

Dental crowns are bonded to your teeth with strong dental adhesives. This creates a strong bond that ensures your restoration stays in place at all times, including when chewing and grinding. However, your crown may loosen or become dislodged for several reasons, including trauma, natural wear, or underlying decay.

If your crown dislodges, remain calm. Locate your restoration and keep it safely in a container. In the meantime, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Then, contact your dentist right away. The sooner we see you, the better the outcome.

No. Dental crowns do not require any special care. However, that doesn’t mean they are maintenance-free.

To keep your crown in excellent shape, follow these tips.

• Brush and floss your teeth to prevent plaque buildup
• Avoid biting down on very hard foods, like ice or hard candy
• Maintain routine dental check-ups
• Avoid chewy or very hard foods

A little care goes a long way in keeping your dental crown healthy and strong.

Coverage varies depending on the purpose of the crown. If the crown is medically necessary to repair damage or protect your tooth, your insurance will cover at least part of the cost. However, insurance is unlikely to cover your crown if it’s used solely for cosmetic purposes.

Since every coverage varies, it’s best to verify your coverage before any treatment begins. As a courtesy, our team will help check the benefits and even file claims on your behalf.

Dental crowns are common for cracked, weakened, or heavily decayed teeth. They’re also used after root canals or to support a dental bridge.