A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap that covers a damaged tooth, bringing back its shape, strength, and appearance. If you have a tooth that is cracked, broken, or heavily decayed, a crown is often the best way to save it and get back to eating and smiling comfortably.
Our Delmar office is about 20 minutes from Troy, NY via I-787, and we regularly treat patients from downtown Troy, the RPI campus area, Lansingburgh, and Brunswick. We offer porcelain, eMax, and zirconia crowns so you and your dentist can choose the material that fits your situation best.
A dental crown is typically recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a standard filling but still has a healthy root worth preserving. Your dentist may suggest a crown in situations like these.
If you play sports near Prospect Park or stay active around the RPI campus, a chipped or fractured tooth can happen without warning. A crown restores both function and appearance so you can move forward without lingering pain.
The material your dentist recommends depends on the tooth’s location, how much biting force it handles, and how visible it is in your smile.
Porcelain crowns are a popular choice for front teeth among Troy, NY patients because they closely match the translucency of natural enamel. They look great and hold up well with good oral hygiene, lasting between 10 and 15 years on average.
eMax is a lithium disilicate ceramic that balances durability with a lifelike finish. For patients who want a crown that works equally well on front or back teeth, eMax crowns are worth considering. They can last 15 years or longer and are one of the most requested materials we work with.
Back teeth take the most force during chewing, and zirconia crowns are built for that kind of demand. Zirconia resists chipping and wear better than most other ceramics, with a typical lifespan of 15 to 20 years. They look natural, though porcelain and eMax tend to have a slight edge in translucency for highly visible teeth.
PFM crowns combine a metal base with a porcelain outer layer. They perform well on back teeth and last 10 to 15 years. The trade-off is that the porcelain coating can chip over time, sometimes revealing the metal underneath.
|
Material |
Best For |
Durability |
Aesthetics |
|
Porcelain |
Front teeth |
10-15 years |
Excellent |
|
eMax |
Front and back teeth |
15+ years |
Superior |
|
Zirconia |
Back teeth, heavy biters |
15-20 years |
Very Good |
|
PFM |
Back teeth |
10-15 years |
Good |
Most dental crowns require two visits spread over two to three weeks.
Your dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays, and removes a small amount of enamel to create room for the crown. If the tooth is severely broken down, filling material may be used to build up a stable foundation. Impressions are then taken and sent to the dental lab for fabrication. A temporary crown is placed before you leave to protect the prepared tooth.
After the lab finishes your permanent crown, you come back for placement. Your dentist removes the temporary, checks the fit, shape, and color against your surrounding teeth, then bonds the final crown with dental cement. Most people resume normal activities the same day. Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is common for a week or two but fades on its own.
A filling is best for small to moderate cavities where most of the tooth structure is still intact. Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front surface of a tooth, designed to fix cosmetic concerns like discoloration, minor chips, or gaps. Crowns cover the entire tooth and are the better option when there is significant structural damage.
If a tooth has a healthy root but too much damage for a filling, a crown is usually the most conservative long-term path. For teeth that can no longer be saved, your dentist may recommend extraction followed by a dental implant.
Many patients who visit us after a broken tooth emergency in Troy end up needing a crown as part of their recovery.
Our office is at 4 Normanskill Blvd in Delmar, right across from Delaware Plaza. From downtown Troy or the area near Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, take I-787 South to I-87 South, then exit at Route 32 toward Delmar. The drive is about 20 minutes, and free parking is available on-site.
Patients from Lansingburgh, Brunswick, and South Troy follow a similar route. With over 60 years of combined experience among our doctors and 500+ five-star reviews, many Troy area families have made the short trip a regular part of their dental care routine.
We offer select scheduling options beyond standard weekday hours. Call us at 518-261-4800 or check our online booking to see what’s currently available.
Yes. If a crown breaks or a tooth cracks unexpectedly, call our office and we’ll work to get you in as quickly as possible. Most Troy patients can reach us within 20 minutes via I-787.
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the appointment. Some sensitivity and mild gum tenderness are normal for a few days afterward and respond well to over-the-counter pain relief.
Yes. Our doctors regularly swap older metal or PFM crowns for all-ceramic options that blend in with your natural teeth. We focus on metal-free restorations and can walk you through your options at a consultation.
Keep the crown somewhere safe, avoid chewing on that side, and call us at 518-261-4800 as soon as possible. Do not try to glue it back on with household adhesive. Over-the-counter pain medication and temporary dental cement from the pharmacy can help you stay comfortable until your appointment.
Most crowns take two visits. The first covers preparation and impressions, and the second is for final placement. There is usually a two- to three-week gap between appointments while the lab crafts your crown.
Yes. Your dentist carefully selects the shade and shape of the crown to match your natural teeth. With materials like eMax and porcelain, the finished result blends in seamlessly.
Absolutely. Many Troy patients come in for an initial evaluation to understand their options, review materials, and get a cost estimate before scheduling any treatment