Restore Damaged or Weakened Teeth with Dental Crowns Near You
Imagine smiling in the mirror and feeling proud of what you see—no cracks, no chips, just a strong, radiant smile that lights up the room. If a damaged or imperfect tooth is holding you back, dental crowns can be your ticket to a confident, carefree smile. At Ambis Dental, we know how much a healthy smile means, and we’re here to make it happen with personalized care and expert craftsmanship. Whether you’re tired of hiding your smile or want to protect a weakened tooth, dental crowns offer a lasting solution that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or notice cracks and chips in your tooth, these could be clear signs you need a dental crown to protect and restore your tooth’s strength and appearance. Whether you’re looking to replace missing teeth, restore a discolored tooth, or anything in between, contact our restorative dentist near you today at 607-272-1874. Serving Lansing, Dryden, and Trumansburg.
Modern Crown Materials for Finger Lakes Durability
Ithaca’s four distinct seasons—from humid summers exploring Buttermilk Falls to winter ice skating on Cayuga Lake—demand dental restorations that withstand extreme temperature variations and lifestyle challenges.
At Ambis Dental, we offer metal-free ceramic crowns that combine remarkable strength with natural aesthetics, ideal for Ithaca professionals presenting at Cornell conferences or Trumansburg performers at the GrassRoots Festival. These advanced materials resist staining from local favorites like Gimme! Coffee or Red Feet Wine Market selections, maintaining their appearance through the years of enjoyment in our vibrant community.
Using digital technology, we achieve precision fits that prevent the bacterial leakage common in older crowns, particularly valuable for patients from rural areas of Trumansburg or Lansing, where access to emergency dental care might require significant travel time during harsh Finger Lakes winters. Call Ambis Dental at 607-272-1874 to schedule an appointment with our dental team in Ithaca.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Also known as tooth caps, dental crowns are full-coverage restorations that fit snugly over a tooth, providing protection above the gum line and preserving the tooth structure. Think of it as a protective shield, giving your tooth a fresh start while blending perfectly with your natural smile.
Our dentists use high-grade dental porcelain and ceramic materials to ensure a natural appearance when crafting your crown. Because dental crowns cover the entire tooth, they’re ideal for cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry treatments.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are various types of dental crowns; however, not all types of crowns are offered at our dental office:
- Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns are tooth-colored restorations made entirely from porcelain, designed to mimic the natural appearance of teeth.
- All-Ceramic Crowns: All-ceramic crowns are made entirely from ceramic materials, offering a metal-free, aesthetically pleasing restoration.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia crowns are crafted from zirconium dioxide, a strong, tooth-colored material that combines durability and aesthetics.
Same-Day Dental Crowns: Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are a type of dental crown that can be fabricated and placed in a single dental visit.- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns combine a metal core for strength with a porcelain outer layer for a natural look.
- Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloys): Metal crowns are restorations made from gold or other dental alloys, prioritizing strength and durability. Metal crowns rarely chip, but are a more outdated treatment.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Once you choose to restore your teeth with dental crowns, you’ll enjoy various benefits, such as:
- Natural Appearance: Dr. Ambis will match your dental restoration to your surrounding teeth—no one will be able to tell you’ve had dental work done! Dental crowns can match the color and shape of your natural teeth, creating a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.
- Durability & Longevity: Dental crowns are made from durable materials and can last up to 15 years before needing replacement. Dental crowns are strong and durable, and can last many years with proper care.
- Short & Minimally Invasive Procedure: You can receive a customized crown in as few as two quick and easy visits to our Ithaca dentist.
- Improved Oral Health: Crowns conceal the entire tooth to shield against unhealthy bacteria, helping protect and maintain good oral health. Dental crowns can help protect weak or damaged teeth from further damage or decay.
- Protection: Dental crowns can help protect weak or damaged teeth from further damage or decay.
- Restoration: Dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
- Versatility: Dental crowns can be used for several dental problems, from restoring a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.
If you’re wondering how dental crowns may benefit you, contact our Ithaca dentist near you today at 607-272-1874 to schedule your next appointment!
What Can Dental Crowns Fix?
There are many reasons a dental crown might be suitable for a patient’s oral health. Dr. Ambis may recommend crowning teeth for the following reasons:
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Severe wear or cavities
- Large dental fillings
- Recent root canal treatment due to tooth decay
- Being replaced with an individual dental implant
- Fractured or cracked tooth
If you’re looking for alternatives to dental crowns, several effective options can restore your damaged tooth while preserving more of your natural tooth structure. Depending on your specific situation, alternatives to dental crowns that may provide the perfect solution for restoring both function and your beautiful smile.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Consultation and Examination
To start the dental crown process, Dr. Edward Ambis will examine your tooth with X-rays and discuss your goals, recommending the best crown material for you. You’ll first attend a consultation with Dr. Ambis, in which he’ll determine if dental crowns are best suited for your oral health and smile goals. The consultation is the best time for you to ask any questions.
Tooth Preparation and Impressions
On the first day of your dental crown treatment, expect the following:
- Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable. Our dentist will first numb your tooth with a local anesthetic to prevent any sensitivity.
- Our Ithaca dentist reshapes your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to fit the crown. Dr. Ambis will gently remove a portion of the tooth’s enamel to make room for a crown.
- If needed, a filling material strengthens a weak tooth’s structure.
- A digital or physical mold of your tooth ensures a perfect fit for your custom crown. We’ll take a dental impression before sending this impression to a dental lab as a blueprint for your permanent restoration.
Temporary Crown
A temporary crown protects your tooth while the permanent one is crafted (usually one to two weeks) at a dental laboratory. In the meantime, you’ll wear a temporary crown to minimize irritation. Our dental team will provide you with tips on how to care for your temporary crown.
Permanent Crown Placement
Once your permanent crown is ready, which typically takes two weeks, you’ll return to our dental office:
- At your second visit, the temporary crown is removed.
- The permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and bite, then securely cemented or bonded.
- Dr. Ambis ensures everything feels just right and makes any necessary adjustments before bonding the crown to your tooth for a stunning restoration.
How to Care for Your Dental Crown
Keep your crown in great shape! Our dentist provides the following tips for how to care for your dental crown:
- Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Floss Daily: Clean around the crown to prevent plaque buildup.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Skip ice, hard candies, or tough meats to avoid damage.
- Wear a Nightguard: Protect your crown if you grind your teeth.
- Visit Our Dentist Near You: Regular dental checkups every six months keep your smile healthy.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
The cost of a dental crown depends on several factors, including the material you choose, your location, and the complexity of your case. Generally, you can expect to pay between $600 and $2,500 per tooth, with prices varying based on the type of crown.
Dental insurance often covers a portion of the cost for restorative crowns, and costs can vary by region or dental practice. At Ambis Dental, we believe in making high-quality care accessible. We offer flexible payment plans and work closely with most insurance providers to help you manage costs effectively.
Dental crowns can address a host of functional and cosmetic issues. Schedule a consultation with our Ithaca dentist to discover if dental crowns in Ithaca are ideal for you by calling 607-272-1874.