Dental Crowns in Pennsauken, NJ
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its strength, function, and natural appearance. At AZ Dental Spa in Pennsauken Township, that means crowns crafted to match your smile and placed with the same spa-like comfort as every other visit.
A cap that covers the whole tooth, not just a patch
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged, weakened, or heavily restored tooth, covering the entire visible portion above the gumline to restore its strength, functionality, and natural appearance.
Think of it as a protective shell for a tooth that's been through too much: a large cavity, a crack, a worn-down bite surface, or a root canal. Rather than losing the tooth, a crown lets you keep it and use it like normal again.
Not the same as a veneer. A veneer covers just the front surface of a tooth for cosmetic reasons. A crown covers the whole tooth and is built for strength, which is why it's the go-to fix when structure, not just appearance, is the issue.
When does a tooth need a crown?
Usually when a tooth has more damage than a filling can reasonably hold together. A few common situations bring patients in for a crown consultation.
Which crown material is right for your tooth?
It depends on where the tooth sits in your mouth, how much chewing force it takes, and how visible it is when you smile. Here are the main options.
Porcelain / Ceramic
The most natural-looking option, since it can be shaded to match your surrounding teeth. A common choice for front teeth where appearance matters most.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
A metal base for extra strength, capped with tooth-colored porcelain. A solid middle ground of durability and natural appearance.
Zirconia
Extremely strong and versatile enough for front or back teeth, with a natural look that holds up well to heavy chewing.
Gold
One of the most durable materials available. Less common cosmetically, but a traditional choice for back molars that do heavy work.
What does it cost? Material, which tooth is involved, and lab work all factor into price. We'll walk you through the options and a real estimate at your exam.
Crown or bridge — what's the difference?
A crown restores a tooth that's still there. A bridge replaces a tooth that isn't.
Dental Crown
- Covers and protects a single damaged tooth
- Cements directly onto your existing tooth
- Restores strength for chewing and biting
Dental Bridge
- Replaces one or more missing teeth
- Anchors to crowns on the teeth next to the gap
- Keeps neighboring teeth from drifting into the space
What happens when you get a crown
Getting a crown usually takes two visits, since the permanent piece is custom-built by a dental lab.
Exam and digital X-ray — we confirm a crown is the right treatment and rule out other issues.
Tooth preparation — the tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown. Damaged areas may be built up first.
Impression or digital scan — taken so the crown can be custom-made to fit your bite exactly.
Temporary crown — protects the prepared tooth while the permanent one is being made.
Final placement — at a follow-up visit, the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite, then bonded into place.
Are crowns same-day? Most crowns are made by a dental lab and placed at a follow-up visit, not the same day. Ask us about your specific timeline during your exam.
Can kids get dental crowns too?
Yes. Pediatric dental crowns are commonly used to protect baby teeth that have extensive decay or have had pulp therapy, holding the tooth together until it naturally falls out to make room for the permanent one underneath. AZ Dental Spa warmly welcomes new patients of all ages, so families can keep everyone's dental care under one roof.
What changes once your crown is in place
A tooth that was chipped, cracked, worn down, or discolored looks whole again and works like a healthy tooth. Here's what to expect along the way.
Before
The damaged tooth may look chipped, cracked, discolored, or visibly worn, and can feel sensitive or weak when you bite down.
With the temporary
A temporary crown feels a bit different at first and calls for care around sticky or hard foods until the permanent one is ready.
After
The final crown blends with your natural teeth in shade and shape, and lets you chew and bite normally again.
How long do dental crowns last?
Most dental crowns last 10 to 15 years, and plenty go longer with good care. Brushing and flossing normally, steering clear of chewing ice or other hard objects, wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth, and keeping up with regular checkups all help a crown last as long as possible.
What a dental crown costs
Cost depends on a few things: which material you choose, which tooth is involved, and whether other treatment, like a root canal, is needed first. We accept most major dental insurance and offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club to keep crowns affordable. Ask us for a real number before you commit to anything.
Payment plans also available through CareCredit & Lending Club.
Dr. Aurangzaib Khan, DMD
Founder & Lead Dentist, AZ Dental SpaDr. Khan has been treating patients in Pennsauken Township since 2005. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and completed his General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital, one of the region's busiest trauma centers. Crowns are everyday restorative work for him, fitted to hold up and to look like they were never needed.
Dental crowns near you in Pennsauken Township
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What our patients say
“Dr. Khan takes away any anxiety of a dental visit and takes the time to explain everything. His dedication and knowledge are exceptional and his friendly personality puts you at ease. I would highly recommend him.”
“I recently cracked a tooth and Dr. AZ took care of me right away! The procedure was pain-free and I felt like I was priority #1. Never felt as comfortable in any other dentist office.”
“I've always had a strong fear of the dentist, but Dr. AZ Khan completely changed that for me. His gentle approach and genuine care have transformed my entire perception of dental visits. Truly a 5-star experience!”
“I've been going to AZ Dental since 2011. Dr. Khan meticulously explains the treatment options and every staff member is courteous, knowledgeable and attentive. I wholeheartedly recommend AZ Dental Spa.”
“Dr. Khan and his staff went out of their way taking care of my emergency root canal! His caring way of including me in every aspect of my care goes a long way, and one of the best parts, NO pain.”
“This is the best place to go for dental work. I'm treated like family when I walk in the door. I got my front four replaced recently and would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.”
Questions about dental crowns
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged, weakened, or heavily restored tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. It covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline.
What are the different types of dental crowns?
The main types are porcelain or all-ceramic (the most natural-looking, best for front teeth), porcelain-fused-to-metal (strong with a tooth-colored surface), zirconia (very strong and versatile for front or back teeth), and gold (extremely durable, typically used on back molars). We'll recommend the right material for your tooth and bite during your exam.
How long do dental crowns last?
Most dental crowns last 10 to 15 years, and many last even longer with good care. Brushing and flossing normally, avoiding chewing on ice or hard objects, and keeping up with regular checkups all help a crown go the distance.
Are dental crowns the same as bridges?
No. A crown covers and protects a single tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the crowns on either side of the gap.
Are dental crowns same-day?
Most crowns are custom-made by a dental lab and placed at a follow-up visit after your tooth is prepped and a temporary crown is fitted. Ask us about your specific timeline at your exam.
Do dental crowns hurt?
The preparation is done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the appointment. Some mild sensitivity around the tooth and gum is normal for a day or two afterward.
Can children get dental crowns?
Yes. Pediatric dental crowns are often used to protect baby teeth with extensive decay or after pulp therapy, and they hold up well until the tooth naturally falls out. AZ Dental Spa welcomes new patients of all ages.
What can't I eat with a new crown?
Avoid very sticky or hard foods, like caramel, ice, and hard candy, especially in the first day or two and with a temporary crown. Once the permanent crown is bonded in place, most patients eat normally again.
Will insurance cover a dental crown?
Often, yes, especially when the crown is needed to restore a damaged or decayed tooth rather than for cosmetic reasons alone. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club.
Do I need a root canal before getting a crown?
Not always. Many crowns go on teeth that never needed a root canal, but a crown is also the standard next step after root canal treatment on a back tooth. If you're recovering from a root canal, ask us whether a crown is recommended.
How do I know if I need a crown instead of a filling?
A filling works when there's enough healthy tooth left to support it. Once a cavity, crack, or old filling has damaged too much of the tooth for a filling to hold up, a crown becomes the more reliable option.
Are dental crowns affordable?
Cost varies by material, which tooth is involved, and whether other treatment is needed first. We work with most major insurance plans and offer payment plans to make crowns accessible — ask us for a real estimate at your exam.
Ready for a Crown That Fits Right?
From the first exam to the final fit, we'll walk you through every step. Book your visit and we'll take it from there.