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Dental Crowns in Clarks Summit, PA
A dental crown is a custom ‘cap’ that covers the entire visible part of a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its strength, function, and appearance. At Abington Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Dr. Charles W. Dennis crafts natural-looking crowns for patients across Clarks Summit, the Abingtons, and Scranton – including same-day CEREC crowns, which let us repair many teeth in a single visit, with no temporary crown and no second appointment.
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Dental Crown
What is a dental crown?
A crown fits over a tooth like a protective cap, encasing it down to the gum line. Where a filling repairs a small part of a tooth, a crown rebuilds and protects the whole tooth – which is why crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or weak for a filling alone. Modern crowns are made from tooth-coloured ceramic that’s colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
When
When do you need a dental crown?
Dr. Dennis may recommend a crown to:
Protect and restore a tooth after a root canal
Rebuild a tooth with a large filling or extensive decay
Repair a cracked, broken, or badly worn tooth
Strengthen a weak tooth at risk of breaking
Cover and complete a dental implant
Improve the shape or appearance of a misshapen or discoloured tooth
CEREC
Same-day crowns with CEREC
Traditionally, getting a crown meant two visits, a temporary crown, and a two-to-three-week wait for a dental lab. With CEREC same-day technology – which only about 10% of dentists offer – we design and create your permanent crown right here in the office. We take a digital scan (no messy impression trays), design your crown on-screen, and mill it from a solid ceramic block while you wait, then fit and bond it the same day. The whole process usually takes about one appointment of roughly two hours – with no temporary crown and no second visit.
difference
Same-day CEREC vs. traditional crowns
Details
Same-day (CEREC)
Traditional (lab)
Number of visits
One
Two, about 2–3 weeks apart
Temporary crown
Not needed
Worn between visits
Impressions
Digital scan
Digital scan or putty
Time
About one 2-hour visit
Two visits over 2–3 weeks
Material
Metal-free ceramic
Ceramic, porcelain-metal, or gold
Best for
Most everyday crowns
Some front-teeth colour matching
An honest note: same-day CEREC is an excellent choice for the great majority of crowns. For a few cases – such as matching a single front tooth to very specific natural shading – a lab-made crown can occasionally give a more nuanced result. Dr. Dennis will tell you honestly which option suits your tooth.
How Long
How long do dental crowns last?
With good care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, and often longer. Their lifespan depends on a few things: your oral hygiene, whether you grind your teeth (a night guard helps protect crowns), where the crown sits in your mouth (molars take heavier chewing forces), and habits like chewing ice or using teeth as tools. A crowned tooth still needs regular brushing, flossing, and checkups – the crown protects the tooth, but the gum line around it can still decay if neglected.
crown process
The crown process - what to expect
Same-day CEREC crown
Dr. Dennis numbs the tooth, gently removes decay and shapes it, takes a digital scan, designs your crown, mills it in-office, and bonds it - all in one visit.
Traditional crown
At the first visit the tooth is prepared and scanned, and a temporary crown is placed. A dental lab makes your permanent crown over about two to three weeks, and at the second visit we remove the temporary and cement the final crown.
Insurance
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Often, yes. Because crowns are a restorative treatment (not purely cosmetic), most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, typically after your deductible and up to your annual maximum. The exact amount depends on your plan and the reason for the crown. We’ll verify your benefits, file your insurance for you, and offer financing for any remaining balance. Request a quote and we’ll walk you through your coverage before treatment begins.
Financing
Flexible ways to pay.
CareCredit
APR promotional plans from 6 to 24 months.
Affirm
Instant approval, 3-to-72 month plans, no impact to credit.
HSA / FSA
We accept all major HSA and FSA cards for eligible services.
Meet the doctor
Why choose Dr. Dennis for dental crowns
With over three decades of experience and same-day CEREC technology, Dr. Dennis restores teeth efficiently without compromising quality or aesthetics. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he brings a cosmetic eye to every crown, so even a back-molar restoration looks and feels natural. And because we provide root canals, implants, and full reconstructions under one roof, your crown fits seamlessly into whatever care your smile needs.
- DMD, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (1993)
- Trained Invisalign® Provider
- Advanced training in dental implants and endodontics
- Founded Abington Center in 2004 - 4.9★ across 700+ Google reviews
Real results
Before & after.
Porcelain Veneers · 8 Units
Treatment period: 3 weeks
Orthodontics · 11 months
case-01
Invisalign & whitening
Mild crowding corrected with clear aligners, finished with in-office whitening.
Porcelain Veneers · 8 Units
Treatment period: 3 weeks
Orthodontics · 11 months
case-01
Invisalign & whitening
Mild crowding corrected with clear aligners, finished with in-office whitening.
Patient stories
In their own words.
“I give them a five star in overall!! Reception, hygienist, dental assistant and Dr!! I had 2 crown replace! The fact that they custom make the crown same day in office is a home run— no temporary cap!!! . I truly have to say Dr Denis is the best Cosmetic Dr & Family Dentistry that I have come across.”
Lizbeth
Abington Center
“Amazing dentist! I have an intense fear of getting dental work done, however, my FRONT tooth crown came off! Dr. Miller fixed it the SAME day and without novocaine! He’s very confident in his abilities which put me at ease!! I highly recommend him. His hygienist was amazing as well! Super friendly and efficient!”
Maria Piccolino
Abington Center
“Dr. Dennis and his team are outstanding! I’ve had quite a few dental issues over the years, and for the past five years, Dr. Dennis has worked diligently with me to address everything—from extensive root canal retreatments and crowns to routine cleanings and cavities. He truly does it all! “
Terri Bond
Abington Center
Frequently asked
Questions we hear often.
How long do dental crowns last?
Crowns typically last 10–15 years, and often longer with good care. Oral hygiene, grinding, the tooth’s position, and habits like chewing ice all affect their lifespan.
What is a same-day crown?
A same-day (CEREC) crown is designed and milled in our office from a ceramic block and placed in a single visit – no temporary crown and no two-to-three-week wait for a lab.
Are same-day crowns as good as traditional crowns?
Yes. Same-day ceramic crowns are just as strong and durable as lab-made crowns, with the same expected lifespan – and the convenience of one visit. For a few front-tooth colour-matching cases, a lab crown is occasionally preferred.
Does getting a crown hurt?
No – the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic during preparation, so the procedure is comfortable. Some mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and fades quickly.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Usually a portion, yes, because crowns are restorative rather than cosmetic. Coverage depends on your plan, deductible, and annual maximum. We verify your benefits and offer financing for the balance.
What’s the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling repairs a small area of a tooth, while a crown covers and protects the entire tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged or weak for a filling to hold.
Crown vs. veneer - what’s the difference?
A veneer covers just the front surface of a tooth for cosmetic improvement, while a crown covers the whole tooth to restore strength. Veneers are cosmetic; crowns are restorative.
Can a tooth with a crown still get a cavity?
Yes. The crown itself won’t decay, but the natural tooth beneath and the gum line around it can – so regular brushing, flossing, and checkups remain important.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Usually, yes – especially for back teeth. A root canal leaves a tooth more brittle, and a crown protects it from cracking so it can last for years.
Restore your tooth - often in a single visit
Whether you have a cracked tooth, a large filling, or a tooth that needs protecting after a root canal, a crown can restore it beautifully. Call (570) 587-4031 or request a consultation to find out if a same-day crown is right for you.
Related services
Explore adjacent care.
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Teeth Whitening
Children’s Dentistry
Family Dentistry
Educational resources
From the Journal.
How to Choose a Dentist: What to Look For Before You Book
5 Signs You Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry (Beyond ‘I Want Whiter Teeth’)
Why Abington Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is the Best Dentist in Clarks Summit, PA
4.9 · 700+ Google reviews
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