Dental Crowns in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. At our Palm Beach Gardens office, Dr. David Skopp and Dr. Eden Skopp, who are both trained in prosthodontics, the area of dentistry focused on restoring teeth, design and place crowns that fit your bite and blend in with your smile.
What is a dental crown?
A crown fits over a tooth like a cap, covering the entire visible part of the tooth above the gum line. It protects what is left of the tooth and restores its shape and function.
Crowns can be made from several materials, including porcelain or ceramic, metal alloys, and combinations of the two. Your doctor recommends a material based on where the tooth is, how you bite, and how natural you want it to look.
Common reasons for a crown
Large cavities or fillings
When a tooth has too little healthy structure left to hold a filling, a crown can rebuild and protect it.
Cracked or worn teeth
A crown holds a weakened tooth together and helps protect it from breaking further.
After a root canal
Teeth that have had root canal treatment are often covered with a crown for added strength.
Implants, bridges, and appearance
Crowns cover dental implants, anchor bridges, and can improve the shape or color of a tooth.
Benefits of dental crowns
Strength and protection
A crown covers and supports a weakened tooth so you can keep using it.
Natural appearance
Crowns are shaped and shaded to blend in with your neighboring teeth.
Comfortable bite
Your crown is fitted to your bite so it feels comfortable when you chew.
Built to last
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, crowns can last many years.
The dental crown process
Exam and planning
Your doctor examines the tooth, takes x-rays, and talks with you about the best crown material for your needs.
Preparing the tooth
After the area is numbed, the tooth is reshaped, and any decay is removed, so the crown can fit over it.
Impressions and temporary crown
We take an impression of the prepared tooth and send it to a dental laboratory to make your permanent crown. A temporary crown protects the tooth in the meantime.
Fitting the permanent crown
When your crown is ready, we check the fit, the color, and your bite, and make any adjustments.
Cementing and aftercare
The crown is cemented in place, and we explain how to care for it.
The number of visits and the timeline depend on your tooth and the type of crown. Your doctor will explain what to expect.
Do you need a crown?
A crown may be recommended when a tooth is cracked, heavily decayed, worn down, or has had a root canal. Only an exam and x-rays can show whether a crown is the right treatment.
Depending on the tooth, other options such as a filling, an onlay, or a veneer may be a better fit. Your doctor will walk you through the choices so you can decide with confidence.
New to our office? See what to expect at your first visit.
Trained in prosthodontics
David M. Skopp, DDS
Postgraduate certificates in prosthodontics and oral implantology, and a graduate of the Misch Implant Institute with 300 additional hours of training.
Read Dr. David’s bio
Eden Skopp, DDS, MS
Certificate in Prosthodontics and Master of Science from the University of Maryland, with a focus on technology in prosthodontics.
Read Dr. Eden’s bioDental Crowns FAQs
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged tooth. It restores the tooth's shape, strength, and appearance and protects it from further damage.
How long does a dental crown last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, crowns can last many years. How long a crown lasts depends on the material, the location of the tooth, and habits such as grinding or clenching.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth and the area around it are numbed with local anesthetic before the tooth is prepared, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity afterward is common, and our team explains what to expect.
Will a crown look natural?
Yes. Crowns are shaped and shaded to match your neighboring teeth, and your doctor discusses the color and material with you beforehand.
How do I take care of a crown?
Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with your regular checkups. Avoid chewing very hard objects such as ice, and let us know if you grind your teeth at night, since a night guard can help protect your crown.
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A veneer is a thin shell that covers the front of a tooth, mainly to improve its appearance. A crown covers the whole tooth and also adds strength, so it is used when a tooth is damaged or weakened.
How much do dental crowns cost?
The cost depends on the material, the tooth being treated, and whether the tooth needs extra work before the crown. We review your options and cost with you at your appointment so you know what to expect before you decide.
Other ways to restore your smile
Ready to protect and restore your tooth?
Schedule a visit at our Palm Beach Gardens office. New patients are welcome.