Crowns

crownDecayed, broken, and missing teeth affect your oral health and your self-confidence. When a tooth has suffered structural or cosmetic damage, a dental crown can restore a tooth’s function and appearance.

A crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers the entire visible surface of a tooth. Your dentist might recommend a crown to:

  • Strengthen and protect a tooth if extensive decay hasn’t left enough healthy tooth structure for a traditional filling
  • Protect a cracked, broken, or brittle tooth from further damage
  • Restore and reinforce a tooth after a root canal procedure
  • Cover a deeply discolored or irregularly shaped tooth
  • Complete a dental implant procedure
  • Serve as an anchor for a dental bridge

Most crown placements require two appointments. During the first visit, tooth preparation includes reshaping the top and sides of the tooth so the crown fits comfortably. If too much healthy tooth structure has been lost, the dentist builds up the tooth with filling material so that it will support a crown securely.

An impression or a computer model is made of the prepared tooth, and a temporary crown, typically made of composite resin, is put in place to protect the tooth while the finished crown is fabricated at a dental lab. Every crown is custom designed to make sure it fits comfortably, aligns with the surrounding teeth, and doesn’t interfere with bite or jaw movement.

At a second visit, the dentist puts the finished crown in place and makes any needed adjustments to ensure that it fits properly before bonding it to the tooth. When the placement is ideal, the crown is secured in place using a special dental cement.

Crowns are made of several different materials. Your choice of crown can be based on factors such as durability, visibility, natural appearance, and cost:

  • Metal crowns: Because they are alloys of gold, platinum, or other metals, these crowns are the longest lasting. They’re often chosen for back molars where they are less visible.
  • All-porcelain/All-ceramic: These color-matched, translucent crowns are the most realistic looking option, especially for front teeth. They are also suitable for those with metal allergies.
  • Porcelain fused to metal: These crowns have a porcelain layer applied over a metal core. Matched to your natural enamel color, these crowns look very realistic, although they’re not as translucent as all-porcelain crowns.
  • Stainless steel: Typically used for baby teeth, pre-formed stainless steel crowns are a durable, cost-effective option when a crown is needed for a primary tooth.
  • Composite resin: Made of color-matched resin, these crowns are a more affordable choice than porcelain or metal. Generally, however, they are only used as temporary crowns since they’re much less durable than other options.

Because a crown improves both the form and the function of a tooth, it is one of the most popular restorative treatments available. Talk to your dentist to discover how a crown can enhance the health and the appearance of your smile.

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-6:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "I love all the ladies at the reception, my hygienist and Dr. Mitera."
    Snezana
  • "I always have a very positive experience. The staff is so nice and helpful. I would recommend this office to anyone."
    Judy
  • "Always a pleasant experience!! Professional, and concerned about comfort always ..."
    Beth
  • "Staff is wonderful and assisted very well to my teeth problems. As new patient I am hoping I am hoping to continue to get great care."
    Jeffrey
  • "Excellent"
    Camilla
  • "Everything went well! I was called in because there was an available slot open. So the rescheduling worked out well for all."
    Leonard
  • "Front office is always warm and welcoming. Erin is thorough and gentle, always professional."
    Claudia
  • "Always efficient and pleasant."
    Kathleen
  • "Always very friendly and professional staff, and I am very happy with the excellent dental care I receive."
    Christine
  • "Everyone is so friendly! The dentist took his time and was very patient with me!!"
    Julie
  • "Everyone is very professional, from the front desk to the hygienist. Very clean and pleasant environment. It was my first visit with the new hygienist, she was great, pleasant and very efficient."
    Carol
  • "I have been a patient for >30 years. Dr. Mitera is extremely gentle, and the rapport he has with his dental assistants/techs is terrific. The office personnel have been there for >20 years and are personable and professional."
    Kimberly
  • "Best Dental practice I've ever experienced. I've recommended it to everyone I know. Love the staff and the care I receive!! Thank you, Dr. Young!"
    Cori
  • "This was my first visit and I was very pleased with Dr. Roberts and her staff. Dr. Roberts is friendly but yet professional during my examination. I felt very comfortable and at ease by her and the staff I am so glad to be a patient and look forward to future appointments."
    Mary
  • "Clean and efficient. Professional yet personal. Everyone I've met seems to enjoy being there and helping their patients. Very happy to be able to receive my dental care at Ludlow Family Dentistry."
    David
  • "Our family continues to get a great care and service at Ludlow Family Dentistry. The doctors and entire staff are professional, thoughtful and caring."
    Stephen
  • "Professional, courteous service with a smile!"
    Stanley
  • "I have always felt (and even more so since the COVID pandemic) that the facility is meticulously clean and that Dr. Roberts and my hygienist, Chris have my safety and health foremost in their efforts. Thank you, all!"
    Janvier
  • "Always a pleasure! Professional, personal, quality work all-around. Thank You all!"
    Robert
  • "Ludlow Family Dentistry always make me fell welcome and comfortable. I trust their caring, friendly, and highly skilled staff for my dental needs. I wholeheartedly recommend this place."
    Cathy