Dental Crowns in West New York: A Guide to Restoring Your Smile
Jul 18, 2025
What is a Dental Crown? The Ultimate Guide to Saving and Strengthening Your Tooth
If your dentist has recommended a "dental crown," you might be wondering exactly what that means. The simplest way to think about it is this: a dental crown is a custom-fitted, protective helmet for your tooth. Also known as a "cap," a crown fits over the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, restoring its original shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Crowns are one of the most reliable and versatile tools in all of dentistry. They are the go-to solution for saving a tooth that is too damaged for a simple filling. In this guide, the Veda Family Dentistry team will explain the top reasons you might need a crown and what you can expect from the procedure.
Top 5 Reasons You Might Need a Dental Crown
A dental crown is a custom solution designed to solve a number of significant dental problems. It is the preferred treatment in the following situations:
After a Root Canal: A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy is no longer vital and can become brittle over time. A crown is placed over the treated tooth to protect it from fracturing.
To Repair a Large Cavity: When tooth decay is so extensive that there isn't enough healthy tooth structure left to support a traditional filling, a crown is used to cover and support the entire tooth.
To Fix a Cracked or Broken Tooth: A fractured tooth is weak and vulnerable to further damage and infection. A crown holds the tooth together, preventing the crack from spreading and restoring its strength.
To Anchor a Dental Bridge: When replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge, crowns are placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These crowns act as strong anchors to hold the replacement tooth securely in place.
To Complete a Dental Implant: A dental crown is the final piece of a dental implant. It's the custom-made, visible "tooth" that is attached to the implant post, providing a beautiful and fully functional restoration.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a dental crown is a straightforward and common procedure that typically takes two visits to our West New York office. Our priority is to ensure you are completely comfortable throughout the process.
Visit 1: Preparation and Temporary Crown
First, the tooth and surrounding area are completely numbed with local anesthetic.
Your dentist will then gently reshape the tooth to create room for the crown to fit perfectly.
Next, we will take a precise digital impression of the prepared tooth. This impression is sent to a master dental laboratory where your custom crown will be fabricated.
Before you leave, we will place a durable, tooth-colored temporary crown to protect your tooth while the permanent one is being made.
Visit 2: Placing Your Permanent Crown
A couple of weeks later, you'll return for your second visit. We will remove the temporary crown and clean the tooth.
Your dentist will then carefully place your new, permanent crown, checking the fit, bite, and color to ensure it is perfect.
Once you are both happy with the result, the crown is permanently cemented into place with a powerful dental adhesive.
Modern Materials for a Natural, Durable Result
Gone are the days of obvious metal crowns. Today, we use advanced materials that are both incredibly strong and lifelike:
Porcelain & Ceramic: Renowned for their ability to mimic the translucency of natural enamel, these materials are an excellent choice for front teeth, where aesthetics are the top priority.
Zirconia: This is a type of ceramic that offers exceptional strength and durability, making it ideal for molars that endure heavy chewing forces.
Dr. Priya and Dr. Moosavi will recommend the best material for your specific needs, balancing function, longevity, and aesthetics.
Expert Crown and Restorative Dentistry in West New York
A damaged tooth doesn't have to mean a lost tooth. With a modern, custom-fitted dental crown, you can protect your tooth, restore your bite, and smile with confidence for years to come. The team at Veda Family Dentistry is dedicated to preserving your natural smile with high-quality, beautiful restorations.
If you have a broken, decayed, or painful tooth or have been told you need a crown, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us.
Contact us to restore your smile's health and beauty:
Phone: (201) 210-5423
Location: 5405 Bergenline Ave Ste 1, West New York, NJ 07093