Dental Crowns in Bedford, NH
.avif)
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, decayed, or compromised tooth to restore its shape, strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are bonded permanently in place and, with proper care, can last 10 to 20 years or longer. Modern porcelain crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth and are one of the most reliable restorations in dentistry.
At Bedford Center for Prosthodontics, every crown is custom designed by Dr. Paul Connolly, a board-certified prosthodontist with three additional years of specialist residency training focused on the restoration of damaged and missing teeth. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Connolly is uniquely qualified to design crowns that not only look natural but also fit precisely with your bite, integrate seamlessly with surrounding teeth, and stand up to long-term function.
When You May Need a Dental Crown
Dr. Connolly may recommend a dental crown when:
- A tooth is structurally compromised by a large cavity, fracture, or crack that a filling cannot adequately repair
- A tooth has undergone root canal therapy and requires a crown to protect the remaining structure
- A worn or eroded tooth needs restoration of its original shape and function
- A discolored or misshapen tooth requires aesthetic improvement that goes beyond what whitening or veneers can achieve
- A dental implant requires a final restoration — implant crowns are placed on top of dental implants to complete tooth replacement
- A dental bridge is being placed — crowns serve as the anchor points for bridges that replace missing teeth
.avif)
.avif)
Types of Dental Crowns We Offer
Porcelain Crowns
Our most common offering for visible teeth. All-porcelain crowns offer the most natural appearance, matching the translucency and color of surrounding teeth. They are biocompatible, stain-resistant, and an excellent choice for front teeth or any tooth where aesthetics matter most.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns combine the aesthetics of porcelain with the strength of a metal base. They are durable and well-suited for back teeth that bear significant biting force, though they can occasionally show a thin metal line at the gumline over many years.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is one of the strongest dental crown materials available. Zirconia crowns are highly fracture-resistant, making them an excellent choice for patients who grind their teeth or for molars that endure heavy chewing forces. Modern zirconia crowns also offer excellent aesthetics.
Implant Crowns
Implant crowns are custom-designed to attach to a dental implant rather than a natural tooth. Because implant crowns are part of a larger restoration system, specialist-level design matters significantly — the crown must align precisely with neighboring teeth and your bite to support long-term implant health.
Why Choose a Prosthodontist for Your Dental Crown?
Many general dentists place crowns. What sets specialist care apart is the depth of training in the science of how crowns function in a complete dental system — not just on a single tooth in isolation.
For patients in Bedford, NH and surrounding communities, choosing a prosthodontist for crown work means:
- Bite-conscious design: A crown that does not align properly with your bite can cause jaw strain, headaches, and accelerated wear on opposing teeth. Dr. Connolly evaluates occlusion as part of every crown case.
- Specialist-level aesthetics: Matching a single crown to surrounding natural teeth requires precise shade, translucency, and shape control — a defining skill of prosthodontic training.
- Integration with other restorations: If you have or will need veneers, bridges, or implants, Dr. Connolly coordinates color, shape, and function across all restorations for a unified result.
- Advanced digital workflow: Crowns at our Bedford office are designed using digital impressions and (when appropriate) RayFace 3D facial scanning — no traditional goop or messy trays.
- Long-term planning: Crowns are an investment. Dr. Connolly considers how today's crown will perform in five, ten, or twenty years — and how it fits into your broader oral health picture.
The Dental Crown Process at Bedford Center for Prosthodontics
Step 1: Consultation and Exam
Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation of the tooth in question, digital imaging, and a discussion of crown options. Dr. Connolly recommends the material and approach best suited to your case based on tooth location, bite, aesthetic goals, and budget.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
The tooth is gently shaped to receive the crown. A thin layer of enamel is removed to make room for the crown to fit naturally with surrounding teeth. Local anesthesia ensures the process is comfortable.
Step 3: Digital Impressions
Using a digital scanner, we capture a precise three-dimensional record of your prepared tooth, surrounding teeth, and bite. No physical impression trays or impression material are needed for most cases.
Step 4: Temporary Crown
You will leave with a temporary crown that protects the prepared tooth and preserves your smile while the permanent crown is custom fabricated.
Step 5: Final Placement
At your final visit, Dr. Connolly removes the temporary, evaluates the fit and color of your permanent crown, and bonds it in place. Final adjustments to your bite are made before you leave.
Dental Crowns vs. Other Restorations
Crowns vs. Fillings
Fillings repair small to moderate areas of decay or damage by filling in the missing portion of a tooth. Crowns cover and protect the entire visible portion of the tooth and are used when damage is too extensive for a filling to hold reliably long-term.
Crowns vs. Veneers
Dental veneers cover only the front surface of a tooth and are primarily cosmetic. Crowns cover the entire tooth and are used when a tooth is structurally compromised. Veneers preserve more natural tooth structure, while crowns provide significantly more strength and protection.
Crowns vs. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using crowns on the adjacent natural teeth as anchors. A single crown restores one existing tooth, while a bridge restores a missing tooth using neighboring teeth for support.
Crowns vs. Dental Implants
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth root with a titanium post, which is then topped with a crown. A traditional crown restores an existing damaged tooth, while an implant crown is part of a full tooth replacement when the natural tooth has been lost.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
With proper care, modern dental crowns can last 10 to 20 years or longer. To extend the life of your crown:
- Brush twice daily and floss around the crown as you would a natural tooth
- Avoid biting hard objects like ice, hard candy, or fingernails
- If you grind your teeth, wear a custom nightguard designed by Dr. Connolly
- Continue regular dental hygiene visits — the tooth underneath the crown can still develop decay if neglected
- Address any new bite discomfort, sensitivity, or loose feeling promptly
.avif)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a dental crown cost in New Hampshire?
Crown cost varies based on the material selected (porcelain, PFM, zirconia), the tooth location, and whether additional procedures like root canal therapy or core build-up are needed first. During your consultation at our Bedford office, we provide a transparent, itemized estimate and discuss flexible payment options.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, modern dental crowns typically last 10 to 20 years. Some crowns last significantly longer. Longevity depends on the material, the underlying tooth health, oral hygiene, grinding habits, and whether the crown is on a front tooth or under heavy chewing pressure.
How many appointments does it take to get a crown?
Most crown cases require two appointments — one for preparation and digital impressions, and a second for final placement once the custom crown is fabricated. Between visits, you wear a comfortable temporary crown.
Is getting a crown painful?
No. Local anesthesia ensures the preparation appointment is comfortable. Most patients report little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal and resolves on its own.
Will my crown look like a natural tooth?
Yes — when designed by a specialist. Modern porcelain crowns match the translucency, color, and surface texture of natural teeth. Dr. Connolly takes precise shade and aesthetic records to ensure your crown blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
Can a crown be placed on a dental implant?
Yes. Implant crowns are custom designed to attach to a dental implant rather than a natural tooth. Because implant crowns are part of a larger system, specialist design matters significantly — the crown must align precisely with your bite and neighboring teeth to support long-term implant health.
What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?
Leaving a missing tooth space can cause adjacent teeth to shift, opposing teeth to drift, bite changes, and jawbone loss over time. Dr. Connolly can discuss replacement options — including bridges, implants, or partial dentures — during your consultation.
Do you offer same-day crowns?
Some crown cases benefit from a two-visit approach that allows for the most precise fit and aesthetic control. During your consultation, Dr. Connolly will discuss the timeline best suited to your specific case.
Can I eat normally with a temporary crown?
Yes, with some care. Avoid very sticky, hard, or chewy foods on the side of the temporary crown to prevent it from loosening. Once your permanent crown is bonded in place, you can resume normal eating without restriction.
What if my old crown fails or comes loose?
Contact our office promptly. In many cases, a loose or failing crown can be re-cemented or replaced. We are happy to evaluate older crowns placed elsewhere and recommend the best path forward.
.avif)
