Dental Crowns in State College, PA

When a tooth is moderately worn down, damaged, or decayed, it may be restored and protected with a dental crown. Sometimes called "caps", crowns are prosthodontic restorations used to cover a tooth from the gumline up and are shaded to match your natural teeth for an attractive, seamless finish. At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County, our talented general dentists in State College, PA, may recommend dental crowns to treat moderately sized cavities, strengthen cracked teeth, or mask discoloration. They also place these restorations to protect root canal-treated teeth and finish off a single dental implant when replacing a missing tooth. To bring the ultimate in convenience to State College, PA patients, we proudly offer custom dental crowns made from the highest quality materials available today. Make an appointment with our dentists today to learn how a custom dental crown can strengthen or repair a tooth while enhancing the overall appearance and health of your grin.

Dental crowns can be placed in the front or back of the mouth and may be used to restore proper biting function, oral health, and cosmetic appeal in a number of situations. These restorations may be used to treat the following dental concerns:

• Tooth decay
• Worn tooth enamel
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Discolored or misshapen teeth
• Root canal-treated teeth
• Replacement of large fillings
• Restoration of single dental implants

While many dental crowns are made of top-grade porcelain (ceramic) or zirconia, we may at times use porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or all-metal (like gold) materials to meet the individual needs of each patient. Crowns are precisely made to a custom size, shape, and color to blend seamlessly into your smile. During your consultation in our State College, PA office, our dentists will go over your choices and help you select the best dental crown material to achieve your desired results.

Crowns are generally placed within two visits to our state-of-the-art practice. At your first appointment in State College, PA, our dentists will begin by numbing the treatment area and may provide sedation services if requested. Once you are comfortable, any decay or damage will be removed from your tooth and a digital impression of the prepared tooth structure will be taken. This image will create a 3D mold of your teeth and will be shared with our partner dental lab where your new crown will be made according to specific instructions. Our dentists will design the ideal shape, size, and color of your crown to fit seamlessly within your arch and match surrounding teeth. Once your crown is ready, we will have you return for the second visit where it will be bonded in place to your prepared tooth or attached to a previously placed dental implant. The fit of your crown will be adjusted as needed so your bite feels comfortable and even.

Before you leave your crown placement visit, our friendly team in State College, PA, will provide you with instructions on caring for your new restoration. Dental crowns should be brushed and flossed thoroughly each day just like the remainder of your mouth. During your routine dental visits at Advanced Dentistry, our dentists will assess your crown for function, wear, and comfort. With proper care and attention, your cap should last for several years. If you experience any trouble with your crown (such as if feels loose or comes off), contact our office for assistance. Please avoid attempting to repair it or reattach yourself as this can result in damage to your tooth or crown and the need for further treatment.

A portion of your crown procedure may be covered by insurance, depending on your individual plan. After contacting your insurance provider, our office can help you maximize your coverage before determining any out-of-pocket expenses. During your consultation at Advanced Dentistry, our financial coordinator can help you select a convenient payment option for any uncovered portion or help you apply for special patient financing through CareCredit®.

How long does it take for a dental tooth cap to settle?
After a crown has been placed on a tooth, it is normal for the tooth to feel bulky. Dental crowns typically settle within two weeks. Contact our team if you are still experiencing discomfort or irritation after two weeks. In most cases, dental crowns settle without an issue.

How long do dental crowns last?
One of the primary advantages of using a dental crown to fix a broken tooth is this dental restoration can last up to 15 years if cared for properly. If your dental crown becomes damaged or cracked, it can typically be fixed the same way a dentist would treat your remaining teeth.

How long do I have to wait before I eat?
We recommend waiting at least one hour before eating after your appointment. This allows your crown to set without any disturbance.

Teeth that are decayed, worn, cracked, or otherwise damaged can often be restored to their former glory with custom dental crowns. At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County, our dentists customize dental crowns with high-level precision to get you back to enjoying better oral health in a short period of time. Find out more about how traditional or implant-retained crowns can return health, function, and beauty to your smile by scheduling a visit at our State College, PA practice.