DENTAL CROWNS

dental crowns & Onlays

 at Smile Essentials

Dental crowns or Onlays are indicated when:


  • a tooth shows a crack that passes through the dentin (inner part) inside the tooth
  • when there is inadequate amounts of tooth structure from a broken tooth, large filling, or large cavity
  • after root canal therapy
  • replacement of previous failing crown
  • single tooth dental implants
  • esthetics


more about dental crowns & Onlays at smile essentials

In many of the scenarios mentioned above, a dental crown can be a great option to “save” a tooth from a root canal or extraction. Dental crowns do require tooth structure removal in order to “fit” the porcelain shell over the prepared tooth. The porcelain needs to have a specific thickness for strength.


At Smile Essentials, we fabricate all restorations in our state-of-art in-house dental laboratory using top-of-the-line digital technology.  This ensures an accurate fit and a natural look and feel.

Benefits of same-day crowns or inlays



  • Quick and convenient



  • no temporary crown


  • Restores function sooner



Quick and Convenient

Prior to your crown procedure, Dr. Kittell or Dr. Santarelli will provide an oral exam and take digital X-rays and impressions of your damaged tooth. 


If we determine you are a good candidate for treatment, we will scan your mouth with an intraoral scanner, which is an advanced camera that takes thousands of pictures of your mouth in order to create a 3D image. After the scanning process,


we customize your crown to fit your bite and upload the design to the mill, which produces your crown in about an hour. Once fabricated, we bond your new crown to the top of your tooth, and you’re good to go. The process takes 2-3 hours.


no temporary Crown


Sometimes temporary crowns are necessary and beneficial. dr. Kittell and Dr. Santarelli will determine if a temporary is necessary for you. With a same-day crowns or onlays, you won’t need to wear a temporary crown.  

Temporary crowns are more susceptible to problems, such as bacterial contamination and sensitivity.

for example; if yours comes loose, it could damage your other teeth or your gums. Temporary crowns, not surprisingly, are less reliable than permanent crowns.


restores function sooner


A broken or damaged tooth can affect your speech, smile, and eating habits. Whether you have an important job interview or social event, a same-day dental crown procedure can be a life-saver. It allows you to visit our office and leave with your smile fully restored.



A same-day crown gets you back to normal as far as the function of your teeth as soon as possible. A temporary crown can delay your return to full function.

You won’t be compromising quality or durability either.  At Smile Essentials, we customize very restoration to fit your mouth, cosmetically and functionally.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns

  • IS A CROWN or ONLAY RIGHT FOR ME?

    If you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed, but still intact, a dental crown or onlay may be right for you.  Schedule an office consultation with Dr. Kittell and the team to determine whether you could benefit from a dental crown or onlay.

  • WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY APPOINTMENT FOR MY DENTAL CROWN?

    If you are a candidate for a dental crown,  your teeth will be shaped to ensure a proper fit. An 3D scan will then be taken of your bite and used to fabricate a mold for the crown or or onlay. If you are choosing porcelain crown, its color will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth. We will then fabricate the crown or onlay in-office within a few hours. You will be fitted and the restoration would be placed on the tooth. Generally, no follow-up appointment is required.

  • HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TEMPORARY CROWN?

    If you are in need of a temporary crown, It is important that you take care of your temporary crown. Temporary dental crowns are typically made of a type of acrylic during the time of your appointment. The temporary will have a natural look and feel and will be cemented with temporary cement. This way, Dr. Kittell and Dr. Sanatarelli can remove the temporary crown at your next visit to place the permanent dental crown. Because this cement is not extremely strong, it is important to be cautious when eating hard, chewy, or sticky foods. It is also important to follow close instructions for cleaning the crown. When flossing, pop the floss between your teeth, clean in between, then slide the whole piece of floss out the side. Do not pop the floss back out as you may dislodge your temporary crown. You may brush as normal using a soft toothbrush. Please avoid using your Waterpik around your temporary crown.  


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  • DO I NEED TO FOLLOW ANY POST-TREATMENT CARE GUIDELINES?

    Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes following your appointment to allow for the cement to fully set unless directed otherwise. 


    It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment. 


    Additionally, you may experience soreness in the gums surrounding your restorations, though this is usually manageable with over-the-counter medications and should subside within a few days.


    If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.  


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