Dental Crowns in Horsham, PA

When might you need a crown?

• Large Cavities or Broken Teeth: When a tooth has more filling than tooth structure, or a piece has broken off (for example, a large cusp of a molar), a filling might not suffice. A crown will cover and protect the remaining tooth structure, preventing further breakage and sealing out bacteria.
• After Root Canal Treatment: Teeth that have had root canals often become more brittle and prone to fracture. We typically recommend placing a crown on a posterior (back) tooth after a root canal to give it strength for chewing.
• Cracked Tooth Syndrome: If you have a cracked tooth causing pain on biting, a crown can hold the tooth together and redistribute pressure, often relieving the symptoms.
• Cosmetic Improvement: Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth – for example, teeth that are severely discolored, misshapen, or poorly spaced. While veneers are another option for fronts of teeth, a crown covers the whole tooth and can dramatically change its look.
• Worn Teeth: Teeth worn down by grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion might be built back up with crowns to restore proper function and appearance.

What is the crown process at our office? Dr. Mathews or Dr. Lala will first numb the area and then reshape the tooth to create space for the crown material (porcelain, ceramic, or other). We remove any decay or old filling and shape the tooth into a stable base (like a little stub or dome). If the tooth is badly broken or decayed, sometimes we may first build it up with a core filling material so it can support a crown. Next, we take an impression of the prepared tooth (and the opposing teeth to ensure the bite will be accurate). We’ll also help you choose a shade that matches your surrounding teeth for a natural result.

You’ll leave the first visit with a temporary crown on your tooth to protect it. It will be made of acrylic or resin and is cemented with a temporary cement – it’s not as strong as the final crown, but it will look and function in the meantime. In a couple of weeks, your permanent crown will be ready from the lab. On your second visit, we remove the temporary and try on the new crown. We check that the fit is precise and the bite feels right. If it’s an all-ceramic crown, we ensure the color blending is beautiful. Once you and the doctor are happy, we cement the crown permanently.

Types of crowns: We offer crowns made from high-quality materials. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns were common, but nowadays we often use all-ceramic or zirconia crowns for their superior aesthetics (no metal to potentially show at the gumline) and great strength. Zirconia crowns are especially durable for back teeth and can be made tooth-colored. For front teeth, all-porcelain crowns give a very lifelike translucency. We’ll recommend the best material based on the tooth’s location and your needs.

With a new crown, your tooth will be strong and pain-free again. You can chew without worry on that side, and it will look like a natural tooth. We advise avoiding super hard items like ice or nutshells, as even a crown can crack under extreme force (especially if you have a grinding habit – a nightguard is useful in that case). Maintain regular brushing, flossing (yes, you can and should floss around a crowned tooth just like any other), and checkups. Crowns themselves don’t decay, but the tooth underneath still can at the edges if not kept clean.

Our patients from Horsham, Ambler and beyond often tell us how much more confident they feel after getting a crown to fix a problem tooth – no more discomfort or self-consciousness. If you have a tooth that might need a crown, Dr. Lala and Dr. Mathews will explain all your options. We ensure the procedure is comfortable and the results are something you’ll love. A crown at Horsham Dental Care is an investment in a healthier, happier smile that can last many years.