Restorative Dentistry · Merrick, NY

Dental crowns in Merrick, NY

A dental crown protects a tooth that is cracked, worn or weakened and gives it back its shape and strength. At Modern Dental Hub in Merrick, our dentists make custom porcelain, ceramic and zirconia crowns matched to your natural teeth, usually over two visits, with same-day crowns available for patients who qualify.

Book online Call (516) 855-6855

Digital X-rays and 3D imagingModern diagnostics for precise, conservative treatment plans
Same-day emergency visitsWhen possible, we see dental emergencies the same day
Most major PPO plans acceptedOur office verifies your benefits before treatment
Evening hours Tue–ThuOpen until 7 PM three days a week, 10–5 on Mondays and Fridays

Who dental crowns can help

A crown is the usual choice when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but still has a healthy root worth keeping. You may be a good candidate if you:

have a cracked or fractured tooth
have a tooth that is badly worn or has a large cavity
recently had root canal treatment and the tooth needs protection
have a large old filling with little natural tooth left around it
are receiving a dental implant or need anchors for a bridge

If too little of the tooth remains, or the root is fractured, a crown may not be able to save it; we then talk you through the alternatives, which can include extraction followed by a dental implant or bridge.

What a dental crown is

A crown, sometimes called a cap, is a custom-made cover that fits over the whole visible part of a tooth down to the gum line. It is shaped and colored to blend with the teeth around it and bonded in place, so it restores both the look of the tooth and the way it works when you bite and chew.

We offer crowns in three main materials:

Porcelain and ceramic crowns give the most natural, light-reflecting appearance and are often chosen for front teeth.
Zirconia crowns are tooth-colored and very strong, a good fit for back teeth that take heavy chewing forces.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine a metal core with a porcelain surface and are used less often today.

Your dentist will recommend a material based on where the tooth sits, how hard you bite, whether you grind your teeth and how important appearance is to you. For patients who qualify, we may be able to design and place a same-day crown using digital scanning, so you leave with the finished tooth in a single visit.

What to expect

Once a crown is bonded, the tooth should feel solid again. You can chew, speak and smile without favoring one side, and sensitivity from the damaged tooth usually settles. Many crowns last 10 to 15 years or longer with good care, although results vary: how long yours lasts depends on your home care, your bite and whether you grind or clench. A crown cannot decay itself, but the natural tooth underneath can, so brushing and flossing around the edge matters.

How it works, step by step

Exam and planning. We examine the tooth, take digital X-rays and confirm that a crown is the right treatment. We discuss materials, cost and whether a same-day crown is an option for you.
Preparing the tooth. We numb the area; most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Any decay is removed, the tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown and, if a lot of structure is missing, a core build-up rebuilds it.
Impressions and temporary crown. We take a digital scan or impression so the crown fits precisely. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final one is made.
Fitting the crown. At the second visit we check the fit, bite and shade, make any adjustments and bond the crown permanently. For a same-day crown, steps three and four happen in the same appointment.

Aftercare and recovery

Wait until the numbness wears off before eating so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying attention to the gum line around the crown.
Avoid very sticky or hard foods, especially right after placement; they can loosen or chip a crown.
Mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days is normal and usually fades on its own.
If your bite feels uneven or the crown feels high, call us; a small adjustment usually fixes it.
If you grind or clench at night, ask about a custom night guard to protect the crown.

Cost, insurance and payment

The cost of a crown depends on the material, whether a core build-up or root canal is needed first and whether a same-day crown is possible. We explain the full cost after the exam and before any work begins.

We accept 24 insurance plans, and crowns are a common restorative benefit; coverage should be verified with the office before treatment. Flexible payment options are available for patients without insurance. See the insurance plans we accept and our payment options, or call the office to discuss arrangements.

Current offer

New Patient Special

Exam, consultation and 3 X-rays. Contact the office to confirm eligibility and offer terms.

Verify your plan: call (516) 855-6855 Insurance we accept Payment options

Frequently asked questions

How long does a dental crown last?

Many crowns last 10 to 15 years or longer with good care. How long yours lasts depends on your oral hygiene, whether you grind your teeth and the foods you chew.

Will my crown look natural?

Yes. Porcelain, ceramic and zirconia are all tooth-colored, and we match the shade and shape to your neighboring teeth. On front teeth we take extra care with translucency so the crown blends in.

Is getting a crown painful?

We numb the area before preparing the tooth, so most patients feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Some soreness or sensitivity for a few days afterwards is normal and settles on its own.

Can I get a same-day crown?

For patients who qualify, we can scan the tooth digitally and make the crown during a single visit. Whether this suits you depends on the tooth, its position and the material needed; your dentist will tell you at the exam.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

In most cases, yes, particularly for back teeth. A tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle, and a crown holds it together and protects it from fracture.

Myths and facts

Myth: Crowns are only cosmetic.

Fact: A crown's main job is to restore strength and function to a damaged tooth. The improved appearance is a welcome bonus.

Myth: Crowns fall off easily.

Fact: A properly fitted and bonded crown is very secure. Crowns that loosen usually do so because of decay underneath or a very sticky food, both of which good care helps prevent.

Myth: A crowned tooth cannot get a cavity.

Fact: The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth at its edge can. Brushing and flossing along the gum line keeps the margin healthy.

Have a question about dental crowns? Our team will explain your options after an examination.

Book online Call (516) 855-6855

Our dentists

The dentists who provide this care

Meet the whole team

Dr. Margarita Kaus

Education and training

New York University, Doctor of Dental Surgery; Northwell Health (Residency)
Read more about Dr. Margarita Kaus
Dr. Isaak Rubinov

Education and training

New York University, Doctor of Dental Surgery; Kings County Hospital Center, Residency in General Practice
Read more about Dr. Isaak Rubinov
Dr. Jonathan Zaika

Education and training

New York University College of Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Surgery
Read more about Dr. Jonathan Zaika
Dr. Stanley Faynblut

Education and training

Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Dental Surgery (Summa Cum Laude); NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health, General Practice Residency
Read more about Dr. Stanley Faynblut