Dental crowns are a restorative procedure in which a “cap” goes over an injured or decayed tooth to protect it from further damage and to restore your smile. Dr. Dennis is an expert in the latest technology for fast, natural-looking CEREC same-day crowns. The advanced CEREC crown technology spares you from wearing a temporary crown while you wait for your permanent one to be made.

Crowns Q & A

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are a restorative procedure in which a “cap” goes over an injured or decayed tooth to protect it from further damage and to restore your smile. Crowns sometimes go over dental implants to provide better function. A crown fits over a natural tooth to strengthen it, protect it from further decay, or hide discoloration and stains.

Why would I need a crown?

There are a variety of reasons you might need a dental crown. Dr. Dennis may recommend a crown if you have little or no tooth left for a filling after you’ve had a root canal, or to help support other dental work.

Because of their ability to extend the life of existing teeth for many years, crowns are often an excellent choice for restorative dental care. They make your teeth look and function better, and for optimum convenience, Dr. Dennis offers same-day CEREC crowns.

How are CEREC crowns different from traditional crowns?

CEREC, which stands for “CEramic REConstruction,” uses state-of-the-art dental technology to create a permanent crown in just one appointment. CEREC crowns are the most convenient, natural-looking, and long-lasting type of crown.

Traditional crowns often require two dental appointments. At the first appointment, the dentist has to prepare the tooth, fit it for a crown, then send the information to a lab to construct a permanent crown. You have to wear a temporary crown for a couple of weeks until your permanent crown is ready and return to the dentist to have the new one fitted.

With CEREC crowns, you no longer have to wait to have a crown made, and you won’t have to wear a temporary one, either. Dr. Dennis uses digital 3D imaging to create a ceramic crown that closely matches the shape, size, and color of the rest of your teeth. He can create the crown and place it in about an hour — no messy impressions or multiple dental visits needed.

How long do dental crowns last?

If taken care of properly, your crown can last you around 15 years. Certain habits such as eating ice, teeth grinding (bruxism), biting your nails, and using your teeth as a tool put you at risk of damaging, cracking or having the crown fall off entirely. If you have a crown and notice pain, increased sensitivity, or see that it fell out, call our office immediately.

How do I take care of my crown?

Luckily, dental crowns operate just like regular teeth. While there are no special practices, good oral hygiene is important. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, and remember to floss. It is safe to floss around your cap.

What do I do if my dental crown falls off?

If your crown falls off, call Abington Center as soon as you can. If you can’t make it to our office right away, start by washing the crown gently and putting it in a sealed bag. You’ll need to bring it with you for your appointment. Since the existing tooth beneath your crown is exposed, you risk infection of the pulp or exposed nerves. Local pharmacies sell dental cement and dental wax, which can help keep your tooth safe temporarily. Make sure to avoid any hard foods, since the prepped tooth is not as strong as the crown. You may notice increased tooth sensitivity. If this happens, avoid any hot, cold, or spicy foods, which may agitate your tooth further.

Your new crown begins with a consultation. Call or schedule yours online today, and you can be on your way to a healthier, more beautiful smile in no time.

Robert T. Edmiston
Robert T. Edmiston
Modern, state of the art practice with warm inviting professional staff. Highly recommended!
Lizeth Fajardo
Lizeth Fajardo
Very professional, the staff maybe feel very comfortable, they explain me what I will need to be done.
Jeff MacDonald
Jeff MacDonald
Staff is amazing, everyone, so pleasant to deal with.
Mari Skelston
Mari Skelston
After a year plus absence from a dentist’s office due to relocation I faced a problem (toothache). I found Abington Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. Dr. Dennis and the staff could not have been more accommodating, friendly, and professional. I anticipated feeling shame, embarrassment, and anxiety but instead was uplifted and welcomed. Thank you for easing my fear and anxiousness and giving me peace of mind and a pleasant experience.
Peter Frosini
Peter Frosini
Alison was friendly, quick and thorough with my cleaning today. Always good to see Dr. Dennis during my exam, and share a few good puns about life. All the best! /Peter F.
Joe Cianci
Joe Cianci
Great experiences! Super friendly and skilled staff from the front desk through the hygienist and doctor. Highly recommend!
Michele Yarnes
Michele Yarnes
I will never be able to fully express the gratitude for this dental practice and for what Dr. Charles Dennis did for me today. I had an emergent situation and no recourse and I found this dental practice on line when searching google. This wonderful doctor came in on his day off and met me at his office to start the first part of a root canal on a cracked tooth. I can't thank him enough and the friendly front office. I am a new client and my son will be coming over too. Thank you Dr. Dennis from the bottom of my heart.
Urwa Siddiqui
Urwa Siddiqui
I can’t begin to describe how happy I am with the work that Dr. Dennis and his team did on my teeth. Him and his team listened to each and every one of my preferences and accommodated every part in the most perfect manner. His team and him made sure I was 100% satisfied with everything and if I wasn’t, they would go back and work to make it better. They were very patient with me and worked endlessly to make sure I was happy. I can now smile with so much confidence and it’s all thanks to Dr. Dennis and his team. I’ve gotten my entire family to switch over to him for dental work and I will be recommending his practice to everyone I know around the NorthEast area. Seriously, if you want someone to treat you like a person and listen to you with a genuine interest to your satisfaction, there is no one better than Dr. Dennis & his team. From the front desk ladies (the sweetest people you will meet) to the dental team (Karen & Sam you guys made me feel so comfortable and so calm) to Dr. Dennis himself (a highly intelligent and hard working man), everyone went above and beyond. Can’t thank them all enough!