Dental Crowns at Elite Dental Associates in Hazlet NJ

Dental crowns offer a strong, long-lasting solution for teeth that need extra support or repair. At Elite Dental Associates, we use trusted methods to create crowns that protect your teeth and enhance their appearance. Our experienced team is here to guide you through all your dental crown needs.

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What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a protective covering that fits over a tooth to strengthen and stabilize it. Often called a "cap," it is shaped to match your natural tooth. A crown is typically recommended when a tooth is too weak or damaged to be restored with a standard filling.

A crown serves several purposes:

• Protection: It shields a weak or cracked tooth from breaking.
• Restoration: It restores the tooth's standard shape and size for comfortable chewing.
• Support: It protects a tooth after a root canal or covers a dental implant.
• Aesthetics: It improves the appearance of a tooth that is chipped, discolored, or uneven.

Before planning the crown, your dentist evaluates the tooth, gums, and surrounding bone to ensure they are healthy enough to support the restoration. Once placed, a crown can last for many years with proper care.

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Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns come in different types, and each offers unique strengths based on your tooth's needs. Even though all crowns serve as protective covers, the materials they're made of affect how they look, feel, and perform.

Here are the most common kinds:

• Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: These match the color of your natural teeth and are often used for front teeth. They blend seamlessly with your smile.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These feature a metal base for strength with a porcelain outer layer for a natural look. They are durable and dependable.
• Zirconia Crowns: A strong type of ceramic that offers the durability of metal with the aesthetics of a natural tooth.
• All-Metal Crowns: Made from gold or other metal alloys, these are the most durable option. They are typically used for back molars, where biting force is highest.
• Temporary Crowns: An acrylic cap is placed to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being crafted in the lab.

Your dentist will help you choose the right material based on the tooth’s location, your bite pressure, and your aesthetic goals.

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Advantages of Choosing a Dental Crown

A dental crown provides essential protection for a compromised tooth.

• Reinforcement: By covering the entire top part of the tooth, the crown holds it together, preventing fractures in teeth with large fillings or deep decay.
• Bite Balance: A crown restores the tooth's natural shape, ensuring your bite remains even and comfortable.
• Confidence: If a tooth is worn down or unsightly, a crown restores a smooth, complete look, allowing you to smile and speak with confidence.

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Dental Crown Procedure and What to Expect

Getting a dental crown usually takes two visits, and each step is designed to ensure the final crown fits comfortably and stays securely in place. During the first visit, your dentist checks the tooth, takes images or impressions, and prepares the area for the crown. The tooth is shaped gently so the crown can fit over it. This step removes damaged or weak parts and creates a smooth surface for the crown to attach to.

After shaping the tooth, your dentist places a temporary crown. This protects the tooth while your permanent crown is being made at a dental lab. The temporary crown also helps you get used to the shape and feel. During this time, your dentist will explain how to care for it and what to avoid until your final crown is ready.

At the second visit, the permanent crown is placed. Your dentist checks the fit, shape, and bite to make sure the crown feels natural. Small adjustments may be made so the crown sits smoothly with your other teeth. Once everything feels right, the crown is cemented in place.

Most people adjust to their new crown quickly. Your dentist will guide you on cleaning and caring for the crowned tooth to keep it strong for many years. If you notice any pressure or discomfort that lasts, it is important to return for a check.

For a smooth and guided crown experience, Elite Dental Associates offers detailed care from start to finish.

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Advanced Technology Used in Modern Dental Crown Treatment

Elite Dental Associates utilizes advanced technology to ensure precision and comfort.

• Digital Imaging: High-resolution X-rays allow us to clearly visualize roots and jaw structure for accurate treatment planning.
• Digital Impressions: Instead of using traditional impression putty, we use intraoral scanners to capture a precise 3D model of your tooth. This results in a better-fitting crown.
• CAD/CAM Systems: Computer-Aided Design helps shape crowns with exact measurements to match your unique bite.

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Comparing Dental Crowns With Other Tooth Repair Options

There are several ways to repair a damaged tooth, and each option works differently depending on how much support the tooth needs. Dental crowns are among the most common choices because they cover the entire tooth and provide strong protection.

Here are some comparisons:

• Dental Crowns: Cover the entire tooth. Used when damage is extensive or the tooth is at risk of fracturing.
• Fillings: Fill a small cavity. They restore a specific spot but do not strengthen the overall tooth structure.
• Inlays: Fit inside the chewing surface of the tooth (between the cusps). They offer more durability than a filling but less coverage than a crown.
• Onlays: Cover one or more cusps (points) of the tooth. They provide significant strength while preserving more of the natural tooth structure than a full crown.

A dental crown is often the best choice when a tooth is weak, cracked, or has a large filling that keeps failing. It gives full coverage and helps protect the tooth from future damage. Fillings, inlays, and onlays work well for minor issues but may not be strong enough for more serious problems.

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Meet Your Doctor

• Joseph Terranova
• Greg Campi
• Manreet Kaur

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Payment and Insurance

Our team is here to make the financial aspect of your care as easy as possible. If you have questions about insurance coverage or payment plans, please reach out to us. We will clearly explain your benefits and costs so you can make informed decisions about your dental health.

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Contact Information:
Elite Dental Associates
1 Bethany Rd Suite 54
Phone: (732) 264-6202