Dental Crowns & Bridges in Rego Park, NY

What is a Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges?

A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that provides support and protection for a damaged tooth. This may be necessary when a natural tooth is broken, worn down, or structurally weak. A crown can also be placed on a tooth that has a large filling, which can weaken its structure. Crowns can also be used cosmetically to cover a tooth when the patient is unhappy with its color or shape.

We also place crowns to support a dental bridge. A dental bridge is used to replace one or several missing teeth. It consists of the replacement tooth or teeth on a framework, which attaches to teeth on either side. This framework can be permanent or removable. To support a bridge, the teeth on either side need to be fitted with crowns.

How Dental Bridges Work with Dental Crowns

It is not uncommon for patients to get dental crowns to complete a dental bridge. According to WebMD, bridges fill in the gap left behind by a missing tooth. If a patient has a single missing tooth, dentists may restore it by creating a dental appliance that anchors to the two adjacent teeth. The dentist must reshape the two abutment teeth to secure the dental bridge. Reshaping these teeth involves removing much of the enamel. The abutment teeth are topped with dental crowns which attach to the new artificial tooth that makes up the middle piece of the bridge.

Preparing for a Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

Patients who opt for a dental crown first need an appointment to prepare the tooth. Our dentist must make sure that the roots are in good shape. If X-rays and other examinations reveal decay or infection, a root canal may be necessary. The other preparation steps include the following:

Shaping the tooth. If the tooth’s surface is mostly intact, the dentist removes some of the surfaces and sides by filing them down, which is usually done under local anesthetic. On the other hand, if there is not a lot of the tooth left, the dentist may need to use filling material to build it up instead.
Taking impressions. Once the tooth is the right shape and size, our team takes an impression of the mouth using dental putty. An impression of both jaws is necessary to situate the crown and ensure correct bite alignment properly. The impression is sent to the dental lab to create a mold for making the crown.
Making a temporary crown. It usually takes the dental lab about two or three weeks to make the permanent crown. In the meantime, our dentist creates a temporary crown from acrylic. It is attached with temporary cement and shields the tooth until the permanent crown can be placed.

Receiving a Dental Crown Step-by-Step

It may take a few appointments for a patient to receive a crown. In many cases, the dental crown procedure is part of another dental treatment plan, such as a root canal. Here is the step-by-step process for getting a dental crown:

Before the Crown. The dentist treats any problems before starting the dental crown creation process. Any infections or cavities must be addressed or filled. Sometimes, an old crown needs replacement. In this case, the dentist will remove the remnants first.
Preparation. Next, the dentist must prepare the tooth for the crown. The dentist or another member of our team will shave down the tooth to make room for the crown. Then, the dental staff makes a series of impressions to send to the lab. Some patients receive a temporary crown at the end of this appointment.
Crown Delivery. Once the crown is ready for delivery, the patient must return to the office for placement. First, the dentist tries on the crown to make sure it feels and looks right in the mouth. If it fits correctly, the dentist uses dental cement to glue it in place permanently.

Types of Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

There are many different materials used in dental crowns, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, composite resin, or a combination of materials. The type of crown depends largely on the patient's case, condition, treatment type, and current oral health status. Patients are often able to choose the type of crown they prefer if their condition permits.

Dental crowns are often used to replace a tooth after an extraction, root canal, implant procedure, or other treatment. After an evaluation, we are able to determine the type of crown to best fit the patient's case. Consult our team with questions about our dental crown services and the types of crowns that could be suitable for your condition.

Dental Crowns vs. Veneers vs. Fillings: What Is the Difference?

One of the most common questions patients ask is how dental crowns compare to other restorations like veneers and fillings. All three repair or improve a tooth, but they are suited to different situations. A crown covers and protects an entire tooth, a dental veneer covers only the front surface for cosmetic reasons, and a filling repairs a small area of decay or damage. The right choice depends on how much of the tooth needs treatment and whether the goal is structural, cosmetic, or both.

	Dental Crown	Veneer	Filling
Best for	Badly damaged, weak, or broken teeth	Cosmetic changes to front teeth	Small areas of decay or minor damage
Coverage	Caps the entire tooth	Covers only the front surface	Fills only the affected spot
Tooth prep	More tooth reshaping required	Minimal enamel removed	Least amount of tooth removed
Durability	5 to 15 years or more	10 to 15 years	5 to 10 years
Primary goal	Structure and protection	Appearance	Repair and prevent further decay

If you are not sure which option is right for you, our team will examine the tooth and recommend the most conservative treatment that will fully address the problem. In many cases, a crown is the best choice when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but needs more than a cosmetic veneer.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost in Rego Park?

The cost of a dental crown varies based on several factors, so there is no single price that fits every patient. As a trusted dentist in Rego Park, NY, our goal is to be transparent about what affects the price and to help you understand your options before treatment begins. The main factors that influence the cost of a crown include:

Crown material. Porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns each carry different costs. Tooth-colored materials used on visible front teeth are often priced differently than metal crowns placed on back teeth.
Additional treatment needed. If the tooth requires a root canal, build-up, or other work before the crown is placed, that affects the overall cost.
Whether the crown is part of a bridge. A crown placed to support a dental bridge involves more than one unit, which changes the total.
Your dental insurance. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of crowns when they are medically necessary. The amount covered depends on your specific plan and benefits.

The best way to get an accurate estimate is to schedule a consultation. We will examine the tooth, explain which crown options are appropriate, review your insurance coverage, and give you a clear cost estimate before any work begins. We also accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to keep care affordable. Call (718) 897-3434 to learn more.