Restorative

Crowns

Custom dental crowns restore damaged or weakened teeth, protecting them while bringing back your natural smile and bite function.

Close-up of a dental jaw model with a blue filling, showcasing dental anatomy and dentistry tools.

Protect and Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth. At Community Dental of Salem, we use crowns to restore both the function and appearance of your teeth, helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.

When You Might Need a Crown

Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry. We recommend them when a tooth has been compromised but can still be saved. Common situations include:

After a root canal – A crown protects the treated tooth and prevents it from breaking
Large fillings – When a filling would be too big and the remaining tooth structure needs reinforcement
Cracked or broken teeth – A crown holds the tooth together and restores its shape
Severe decay – When too much of the natural tooth is damaged to support a filling
Cosmetic concerns – To improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth

What to Expect

Getting a crown typically takes two visits to our Pennsville office. During your first appointment, we'll prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. We'll take impressions or digital scans to ensure your crown fits perfectly and matches your natural teeth. You'll leave with a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is crafted.

At your second visit—usually two to three weeks later—we'll remove the temporary crown and carefully fit your new permanent crown. We'll check your bite, make any needed adjustments, and securely bond the crown in place.

Materials That Last

We offer several crown materials depending on your needs:

Porcelain – Natural-looking and ideal for front teeth
Porcelain-fused-to-metal – Strong and durable with a natural appearance
Gold or metal alloys – Extremely durable, often used for back molars

We'll discuss which option is best for your situation, considering factors like location in your mouth, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences.

Caring for Your Crown

With proper care, a crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Brush twice daily, floss around the crown just like your natural teeth, and visit us regularly for checkups. Avoid chewing ice or hard objects, and if you grind your teeth at night, we can provide a nightguard to protect your investment.

How it works

Examination & Preparation

We examine your tooth, take X-rays if needed, and prepare it by removing decay and shaping it to fit the crown. We'll numb the area so you're comfortable throughout.

Impressions & Temporary Crown

We take detailed impressions or digital scans of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. You'll receive a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is made.

Crown Placement

At your second visit, we remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color of your new crown, and permanently cement it in place. We'll adjust your bite to ensure comfort.

Common questions

Will getting a crown hurt?+

We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off, but this typically subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage any discomfort.

How long does a crown last?+

With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, most crowns last between 10 and 15 years. Some patients have crowns that last even longer. Factors like teeth grinding, diet, and oral habits can affect longevity.

Can I eat normally with a crown?+

Yes! Once your permanent crown is placed and the cement has fully set, you can eat normally. Crowns are designed to withstand normal chewing forces. We recommend avoiding extremely hard foods like ice or hard candy, which can damage both crowns and natural teeth.

Get in touch — Pennsville, NJ

Ready when you are — let's get you smiling.

New patients are always welcome. Give us a call, and we'll find a time that fits — gentle care, honest answers, no pressure.

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