A dental crown is a strong “cap” that covers a tooth. This restorative dentistry treatment protects the tooth, restores its shape, and improves how it looks and functions. If you have a tooth that is chipped, weak, or has a very large filling, a dental crown from Premier Smiles could help you chew comfortably again.
Dr. Florin Arhiri provides Berwyn, PA dental practice, we provide crowns for patients across the Main Line and nearby communities like Devon, Paoli, Wayne, Malvern, and King of Prussia. Whether you live right in Berwyn or you commute along Lancaster Avenue or Route 30, our goal is to make the crown process simple and stress-free.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown fits over your tooth like a helmet. Once it’s in place, the crown becomes the tooth’s new outer surface. It can help in two big ways: strength and appearance. First, crowns help protect teeth that might break. Secondly, crowns could improve the look of a tooth that is worn, stained, or misshapen.
A crown may cover a natural tooth, a tooth with a large filling, or a tooth that had a root canal. Tooth rowns are also used on top of dental implants. In that case, the crown is the visible “tooth” that you see when you smile.
With good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits in Berwyn, many crowns can last for years.
Reasons for Needing a Dental Crown
Crowns are used when a tooth needs more support than a filling can give. Here are common reasons patients in Berwyn, Devon, Paoli, and nearby areas may need a crown:
- A chipped or broken tooth from injury, biting something hard, or wear over time
- A large cavity that leaves too little healthy tooth for a normal filling
- A tooth with a very large filling that is starting to weaken
- After a root canal to protect the tooth from breaking
- Heavy wear or grinding that has shortened or damaged the tooth
- To improve the look of a tooth that is badly stained, misshaped, or uneven
- To hold dental bridges in place
- To restore a dental implant
If you have tooth pain when chewing, a sharp edge, or a tooth that keeps chipping, a crown may be one of the options we discuss. A visit with Dr. Arhiri is the best way to know what your tooth truly needs.
Types of Crowns
There are several types of crowns. The best choice depends on the tooth’s location, how you bite, and the look you want.
- Porcelain (ceramic) crowns: These crowns can look very natural, which is why many patients choose them for front teeth. They can match the color of your other teeth.
- Zirconia crowns: Zirconia is very strong and can also look natural. It’s a popular choice for back teeth, where chewing forces are higher, and it offers a great mix of strength and beauty.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns: These crowns have a metal base with a tooth-colored layer on top. They can be strong, but in some cases the metal edge may show near the gumline over time.
- Gold or metal alloy crowns: These crowns are very durable and gentle on opposing teeth. They are often used on back molars because of their strength.
Not sure which crown is right for you? Dr. Arhiri can explain the pros and cons in simple terms and help you choose a material that fits your smile, budget, and bite.
What to Expect During the Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a crown is common, and most patients do well. While every smile is different, the dental crown process often follows these steps.
Exam and Planning
Dr. Arhiri starts by looking at the tooth and taking X-rays if needed. This helps us check the tooth roots and the surrounding bone. Dr. Arhiri also checks your bite, so your crown feels natural when you chew.
Numbing and Comfort
Before preparing your tooth, we numb the area so you stay comfortable. If you feel nervous about dental work, tell us. Many patients in Berwyn and the surrounding Main Line area appreciate having a calm plan before we begin.
Tooth Shaping and Impressions
Next, Dr. Arhiri gently shapes the tooth so the crown fits. If part of the tooth is missing, he may rebuild it first, so the crown has a strong base. He takes take an impression (a mold) of your tooth. This impression helps create a crown that fits your tooth and bite.
Temporary Crown
In many cases, you will wear a temporary crown while we make your final crown. This temporary crown protects the tooth and helps you eat and smile in the meantime. Dr. Arhiri will share tips on what foods to avoid so it stays in place.
Final Crown Visit
When the final crown is ready, you come back for placement. Dr. Arhiri removes the temporary crown, checks the fit, shape, and color, and then bonds the final crown into place. He also checks your bite to make sure it feels smooth and even.
After we place your crown, your tooth should feel comfortable when you chew. Some mild soreness or temperature sensitivity can happen at first, but it often improves quickly. If something feels off when you bite, contact our Berwyn, PA office so we can adjust it.
Dental Crown FAQs
Read answers to commonly asked questions about dental crown treatment in our Berwyn dental office.
How long do crowns last?
Most crowns last 10 to 15 years with good care, and many last longer. Zirconia and gold crowns tend to last longer than porcelain, especially on back teeth. However, metal crowns don’t blend in with the shade of natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, avoiding hard objects, and keeping your checkups all extend the life of your crown.
What’s the difference between a crown and a filling?
A dental filling repairs a cavity by filling the space where decay was removed. A crown covers the entire tooth and restores its shape and strength. Fillings work for small to moderate damage. You need a crown when the damage is too extensive for a filling to hold.
Will my crown look natural?
Yes. Dr. Arhiri matches the shade, shape, and size to your other teeth. He completed the Advanced Anterior Esthetics certification through the Las Vegas Institute, which focused specifically on making restorations look natural. Most patients say no one notices they have a crown unless they mention it.
What happens if my crown comes loose?
Call our office right away. Don’t try to reattach it yourself, and don’t ignore it, because the exposed tooth can decay or break. In most cases, Dr. Arhiri can re-cement the crown or make a new one that matches your other teeth.
Can I eat normally with a crown?
Yes. Once your permanent crown is placed, you can eat everything you ate before, with one exception: avoid biting down on very hard objects like ice, hard candy, and unpopped popcorn kernels. Those can chip a crown just like they chip natural teeth.
Does it hurt to get a dental crown?
No. Dr. Arhiri will numb your tooth or teeth that receive the crown. You can also get local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain when you get your crown. You may feel some sensitivity right after treatment, but this will fade over time. Please call Premier Smiles if discomfort persists after treatment.
Schedule a Dental Crown Consultation in Berwyn, PA
If you think you may need a dental crown, or if a tooth feels weak, chipped, or painful, our team at Premier Smiles is here to help. We proudly serve Berwyn, PA, and surrounding Main Line communities, focusing on comfortable care and clear answers. Contact our office to schedule a visit and learn your best options for a strong, healthy smile.