Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns: Your Path to a Confident, Healthy Smile

At DiBartola Dental, we understand that a damaged or decayed tooth can impact your oral health and self-confidence. That’s why Bridgeville restorative dentist, Dr. Wayne DiBartola and our experienced team offer advanced dental crown solutions to restore your smile’s beauty and functionality. Using the latest dental technology and premium materials, we create custom dental crowns that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Serving the Bridgeville community and surrounding areas of Scott Township, Carnegie, Heidelberg, and Upper Saint Clair, PA, we’re committed to providing exceptional restorative dental care. To learn if dental crowns are right for you, contact our Allegheny County dental practice by calling us at (412) 221-9440 and schedule your consultation with Dr. DiBartola.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, often called caps or tooth crowns, are sophisticated prosthetic devices that completely encase a damaged tooth. Think of a crown as a protective shield that covers your tooth from the gum line to the chewing surface, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. At DiBartola Dental, we craft our crowns from premium materials including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or innovative hybrid materials, ensuring the perfect balance of durability and aesthetics for each patient’s unique needs.

Beyond protecting individual teeth, crowns play a versatile role in modern dentistry. They can serve as the visible portion of a dental implant, provide essential support for dental bridges, or transform the appearance of cosmetically challenged teeth.

When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?

Dr. DiBartola may recommend a dental crown in various situations:

Protecting Vulnerable Teeth: When decay has significantly weakened a tooth, or after procedures like root canals or large fillings, a crown provides crucial reinforcement to prevent fractures.
Restoring Damaged Teeth: For teeth that are broken, severely cracked, or worn down, crowns offer comprehensive protection and restoration.
Completing Dental Implants: A crown is the visible, functional portion of a dental implant, creating a seamless tooth replacement.
Supporting Dental Bridges: Crowns anchor dental bridges securely, enabling effective tooth replacement.
Enhancing Smile Aesthetics: For teeth that are misshapen, severely discolored, or poorly spaced, crowns can create a more appealing appearance.

Signs You Need Dental Crowns

Be aware of these common indicators that might signal the need for a dental crown:

Persistent tooth pain or temperature sensitivity
Visible cracks or chips in your tooth
An aging large filling that needs replacement
A tooth that’s undergone root canal therapy
Noticeable cosmetic imperfections in tooth shape or color
Difficulty chewing on a particular tooth

Benefits of Dental Crowns

At DiBartola Dental, our patients experience numerous advantages from dental crowns:

Superior Protection: Our crowns shield vulnerable teeth from further damage while preventing decay from progressing.
Complete Restoration: We restore both function and appearance, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Long-Term Durability: With proper care, our high-quality crowns can last 15+ years.
Versatile Solutions: Crowns address multiple dental issues effectively, from structural problems to cosmetic concerns.
Natural Aesthetics: Dr. DiBartola carefully matches crowns to your natural tooth color and shape for seamless integration.

Types of Dental Crowns

At DiBartola Dental, we offer a comprehensive selection of dental crown options. Dr. DiBartola takes time to discuss each option with you, considering factors like tooth location, functional needs, and aesthetic goals to recommend the perfect solution for your smile.

Porcelain Crowns

Our premium porcelain crowns offer unmatched aesthetic benefits. Using advanced color-matching technology, Dr. DiBartola creates crowns that perfectly blend with your natural teeth. These biocompatible crowns are especially popular for front teeth, where appearance matters most. Their translucent quality mimics natural tooth enamel, creating a stunning, lifelike result.

Metal Crowns

For patients needing maximum durability, particularly for back teeth, we offer metal crowns crafted from high-grade alloys. These crowns excel in longevity and can withstand intense biting forces, making them ideal for patients who grind their teeth or need extra durability. While less common for visible teeth, they’re an excellent choice for molars where strength is paramount.

Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)

Combining strength with beauty, our PFM crowns feature a strong metal core wrapped in natural-looking porcelain. Dr. DiBartola often recommends these versatile crowns for patients seeking durability and aesthetics. The metal foundation provides exceptional strength, while the porcelain exterior ensures a natural appearance.

Zirconia Crowns

Our state-of-the-art zirconia crowns represent the latest advancement in dental materials. These ultra-strong, biocompatible crowns resist chips and cracks while maintaining a natural appearance. At DiBartola Dental, we often recommend zirconia crowns for patients who want the perfect balance of strength, longevity, and aesthetics.

Same-Day Crowns

Using advanced CEREC technology, DiBartola Dental offers same-day crown services for qualified patients. This revolutionary approach eliminates the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits, allowing you to walk out with your permanent crown in just one appointment.

The Dental Crown Procedure at DiBartola Dental

Initial Consultation and Planning

Dr. DiBartola performs a comprehensive examination of your tooth and surrounding structures
Advanced digital X-rays provide detailed images to ensure proper treatment planning
We discuss your preferences and explain all available options
Our team reviews insurance coverage and payment options for your convenience

First Appointment

Our gentle approach ensures your comfort with precise local anesthesia. Sedation dentistry options are also available.
Dr. DiBartola carefully reshapes your tooth to accommodate your new crown.
We use conservative techniques to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

Creating Your Crown

High-precision digital impressions capture every detail of your tooth.
For traditional crowns, we place a comfortable temporary crown to protect your tooth.
Same-day crown patients can skip the temporary and receive their permanent crown immediately.

Second Visit (for traditional crowns)

Removal of temporary crown and thorough cleaning of the area
Careful fitting and adjustment of your permanent crown
Final cementing using premium dental materials
Detailed bite check and adjustments as needed

Caring for a Dental Crown

Dental crowns do not require special care, but good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, are still important.
Avoid chewing on hard objects or using teeth as tools to ensure the longevity of the crown.
Regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor the condition of the crown and adjacent teeth.
Use dental floss to clean around the crown and gum tissue.

Cost and Durability of Dental Crowns

The cost of a dental crown is subject to a host of factors, including the purpose of the crown, materials, and methods used to manufacture it. The average cost of a dental crown is typically between $800 and $1700 or more per crown. Dental crowns typically last between five and 15 years, depending on wear and tear, oral hygiene, and personal habits.

Common Problems That May Occur

Most crowns work well, but some may need to be replaced within the first 10 years due to technical or physical reasons.
Common reasons for crown failure include placement screw failure and eventual fatigue of resin cement.
A loose crown can be a sign of a problem and should be addressed by a dentist as soon as possible.

Factors to Consider Before Getting a Dental Crown

The condition of the tooth and surrounding teeth will be evaluated before getting a crown. The type of material used for the crown will also be considered based on the location and purpose of the crown.

The cost and durability of the crown should be discussed with your dentist. Additionally, dental implants may be a suitable alternative to a crown in some cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental crowns last?

With proper care, crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Premium materials and precise placement techniques help ensure maximum longevity. Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to monitor your crown’s condition and address any concerns early.

Is getting a dental crown painful?

No, getting a dental crown isn’t painful. While some patients may experience mild sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, most report minimal discomfort. We provide detailed instructions for managing any post-procedure sensitivity.

How long does the crown process take?

Traditional crown procedures typically require two visits spaced about two weeks apart. However, for eligible patients, our same-day CEREC technology can complete the entire process in a single visit, typically lasting about two hours.

Can I get a crown in one day?

Yes! Some dentists offer same-day crown services using advanced CEREC technology. This innovative system allows your dentist to design, mill, and place your custom crown in a single appointment.

Experience The Difference Dental Crowns Can Make, Call Now!

Don’t let damaged or decayed teeth hold you back from smiling confidently. Dr. DiBartola and our skilled team at DiBartola Dental are ready to help restore your smile with our advanced crown solutions. Serving patients throughout Bridgeville, Scott Township, Carnegie, Heidelberg, and Upper Saint Clair, PA, we’re committed to providing exceptional dental care with a personal touch.