Dental Crowns in Freehold, NJ
We accept 12+ major insurance plans, including Aetna, Delta Dental, Cigna, and MetLife, and we offer evening appointments on Monday and Thursday until 7:00 PM so treatment fits around your schedule.
What Is a Dental Crown, and When Do You Need One?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers and protects a tooth weakened by decay, a fracture, or extensive dental work, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. At Premier Arts Dental, Dr. Prachi Shah designs crowns using iTero digital impressions, so you get a precise fit and a natural look without messy putty molds.
A crown may be recommended when:
- A tooth has a large cavity that a standard filling cannot support
- A cracked or fractured tooth needs protection from further damage
- A tooth has had root canal therapy and needs reinforcement
- An older restoration has failed and the remaining tooth needs full coverage
- A tooth is severely worn down or misshapen
Understanding why a crown is recommended matters as much as understanding how it is placed. At your consultation, your dentist reviews digital images of your tooth with you so you can see exactly what is happening and why a crown is the most reliable path forward.
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns are made from porcelain, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold and metal alloys. We recommend a material based on the location of the tooth, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences:
- Porcelain crowns: Ideal for front teeth, where a natural appearance is the top priority.
- Zirconia crowns: Extremely strong and tooth-colored, well suited to both front and back teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns: Combine the strength of a metal substructure with a porcelain exterior for a natural look.
- Gold or metal alloy crowns: Highly durable, and sometimes recommended for back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces.
Each material has distinct advantages, and we walk you through the differences so you can make an informed decision.
What Are the Benefits of a Custom Dental Crown?
A well-crafted crown protects a compromised tooth while blending in with the rest of your smile. The main benefits are:
- Strength and protection: By fully covering the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, a crown distributes biting forces evenly and may extend the life of your natural tooth for years.
- Natural appearance: Modern materials are color-matched to your surrounding teeth, so the restoration is virtually undetectable.
- A precise fit: iTero digital impressions replace traditional putty, which is more comfortable for you and gives a more accurate scan of your tooth. Combined with 3D cone beam CT imaging, this helps your crown fit accurately the first time and reduces the need for adjustments. You can learn more about the tools we use on our Technology page.
What Is the Dental Crown Procedure Like?
Getting a crown typically takes two visits, with about two weeks between them while your permanent crown is made. Here is what to expect:
- Consultation and digital imaging. Your dentist uses digital X-rays and 3D CT imaging to evaluate the health of your tooth and the surrounding bone, reviews the images with you, and explains whether a crown is the best course of treatment. Our team also reviews your insurance coverage and financing options before treatment begins.
- Preparation and temporary crown. At the preparation visit, your dentist gently reshapes the tooth to make room for the crown, then takes an iTero digital impression that is sent to the dental lab. A temporary crown protects your tooth while your permanent restoration is made.
- Final crown placement. At your second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the fit, color, and bite of your permanent crown are checked. Once everything looks and feels right, the crown is bonded in place. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the process is.
How Is a Dental Crown Different From a Filling, Bridge, Implant, or Veneer?
A crown covers and restores a single tooth that is still present. The other options solve different problems:
- Filling: Repairs a smaller area of decay inside the tooth. A crown is used when too much of the tooth is damaged for a dental filling to hold up reliably.
- Inlay or onlay: Repairs damage that is too extensive for a filling but does not require full coverage. Inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth than a crown.
- Bridge: Replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the teeth on either side of the gap. Learn more about dental bridges.
- Implant: Replaces a missing tooth root and the tooth above it. A crown is often the visible part of a dental implant, and that final step is called an implant restoration.
- Veneer: A thin shell bonded to the front of a tooth for cosmetic changes. See our guide to the difference between a dental crown and a veneer.
If your tooth can be saved, a crown is typically the preferred approach because it preserves your natural tooth structure. At your consultation, your dentist explains which option fits your situation.
How Do I Care for a Dental Crown?
You care for a crown the same way you care for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular checkups so your crown can be monitored at each visit. Avoid habits that put extra stress on the restoration, such as chewing ice or using your teeth to open packages. If you clench or grind your teeth, a custom night guard can help protect your crown and your natural teeth.
What Should I Do If My Crown Comes Loose or Cracks?
Call our office as soon as you notice a problem. A loose, cracked, or missing crown leaves the tooth underneath exposed to damage and decay, and it is best to have it evaluated promptly. Our dental emergency page explains how we help patients who need care right away.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost, and Does Insurance Cover Them?
The cost of a crown depends on the material used and your specific insurance plan. Most dental plans cover a portion of crown treatment when it is considered medically necessary. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and walks you through your estimated out-of-pocket cost so there are no surprises.
For added flexibility, we offer financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and HFD, as well as in-house payment plans, and our Premier Advantage Program is available for patients without dental insurance. Visit our Insurance & Financing page for full details.
Why Choose Premier Arts Dental for Dental Crowns?
- Digital precision: iTero impressions and 3D CT imaging support an accurate fit.
- Transparent recommendations: You see the images of your tooth and understand why a crown is advised.
- Flexible scheduling: Evening appointments are available Monday and Thursday until 7:00 PM.
- Clear costs: Your benefits and estimated out-of-pocket cost are reviewed before treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Regular checkups, consistent brushing and flossing, and avoiding habits like chewing ice all help extend the life of a crown.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort during crown placement. We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the preparation visit. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
How many visits does a dental crown take?
A crown typically takes two visits. The first is for preparation, the iTero digital impression, and a temporary crown. The second is for placing your permanent crown, usually about two weeks later.
When is a crown necessary instead of a filling?
A crown is typically recommended when a tooth has too much damage or decay for a filling to restore it reliably. That includes teeth with large fractures, teeth that have had root canal therapy, and teeth where a large share of the structure is compromised. If the damage falls in between, your dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay instead, and our guide to inlays and onlays vs. fillings and crowns explains the differences.
Can a tooth that had a root canal get a crown?
Yes, and it is common. A tooth that has had root canal therapy can be more fragile, so a crown is often placed to protect it. If there is not enough natural tooth left to hold a crown securely, a post and core may be used first to rebuild the tooth.
Will my dental crown look natural?
Yes. Your crown is color-matched to your surrounding teeth, and materials like porcelain and zirconia are designed to look like natural tooth enamel. Because crown materials do not respond to whitening, patients who want a brighter smile often whiten their teeth first so the crown can be matched to the new shade.
How much do dental crowns cost with insurance?
The cost varies with the material and your plan. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown treatment when it is medically necessary, and our team verifies your benefits and explains your estimated out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins.
Premier Arts Dental offers a full range of dental services freehold nj patients need, including general and preventive care, cosmetic treatments, restorative and prosthodontic dentistry, endodontic care such as root canals, and orthodontic options including Invisalign. Dr. Prachi Shah provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages under one roof.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation in Freehold
If you have been told you need a crown, or you are exploring your restorative options, we are here to help you make a confident decision. Call us at (732) 702-2787 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and see what personalized, technology-driven care looks like.
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