Dental Crowns in Tampa, FL
A damaged, cracked, weakened, or heavily restored tooth may need more protection than a traditional filling can provide. A custom dental crown covers the visible portion of the tooth to help restore its shape, strength, function, and appearance.
At Flex Dental, Dr. Benjamin J. Gubernick carefully plans each crown around the condition of your tooth, your bite, the location of the restoration, and the appearance of the surrounding teeth. The goal is a comfortable, durable result that feels natural in your smile.
A custom restoration that surrounds and supports the tooth.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration designed to cover the visible portion of a prepared tooth above the gum line. Once securely placed, the crown becomes the tooth’s new outer surface.
Crowns are commonly used when a tooth has lost too much structure for a filling alone, has fractured, needs protection following certain root canal treatments, or serves as the visible restoration for a dental implant.
Restores tooth shape
A crown recreates the visible contours and chewing surface of the treated tooth.
Supports remaining structure
Full coverage may help reinforce a tooth that has been weakened by damage, decay, or a large restoration.
Restores chewing function
The crown is adjusted to fit the bite and help the tooth function comfortably with neighboring teeth.
Rebuilds visible appearance
Tooth-colored materials can be customized to coordinate with surrounding teeth and the overall smile.
When a filling may not provide enough support.
Large cavities
When decay or an existing restoration involves a significant portion of the tooth, a crown may provide more coverage and support than another filling.
Cracked or broken teeth
A crown may be used to surround selected fractured or damaged teeth and restore a more stable chewing surface.
After root canal treatment
Depending on the tooth and the amount of remaining structure, a crown or another restoration may be recommended after root canal therapy.
Large existing fillings
A tooth with a large filling and limited natural structure may need full coverage when the filling can no longer provide sufficient support.
Dental implants or bridges
Crowns may form the visible replacement tooth attached to an implant or serve as part of a fixed dental bridge.
Shape or color concerns
In selected cases, a crown may improve a severely misshapen, heavily restored, or discolored tooth when more conservative treatment is not appropriate.
The right material depends on the tooth and the job it needs to do.
Crown materials differ in appearance, strength, wear behavior, thickness requirements, and how they interact with the opposing teeth.
Dr. Gubernick will discuss options based on the location of the tooth, the amount of remaining structure, your bite, your aesthetic priorities, and other clinical factors.
Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
Tooth-colored ceramic materials may provide a highly natural appearance, making them a common consideration for teeth that are visible when smiling. Shade, shape, and surface details can be customized to coordinate with neighboring teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a tooth-colored ceramic material known for high strength. Different zirconia formulations and layering techniques may be selected depending on whether strength, translucency, or a balance of both is the primary goal.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine a metal substructure with a tooth-colored porcelain exterior. They may be considered when the treatment plan calls for both structural support and a visible tooth-colored surface.
Gold or Metal Alloy Crowns
Metal crowns are not tooth-colored, but certain alloys may be considered for selected back teeth where visibility is less important and the restoration must tolerate significant chewing forces.
Carefully planned from examination to final placement.
The exact sequence can vary based on the tooth, the selected material, whether additional restorative treatment is needed, and how the crown will be fabricated.
Examination and diagnosis
Dr. Gubernick examines the tooth, reviews your symptoms and goals, and may use dental X-rays or other imaging to evaluate the roots and surrounding structures.
Remove damage and prepare the tooth
Decay, damaged restorative material, or unsupported tooth structure is addressed. The tooth is then shaped to create room for the planned crown.
Rebuild the foundation when needed
If significant structure is missing, a buildup material may be placed to create an appropriate foundation for the crown.
Capture a digital impression
Digital scanning technology records the prepared tooth, adjacent teeth, and bite so the custom crown can be designed with accurate contours and contact points.
Protect the tooth during fabrication
When the permanent crown is made separately, a temporary restoration may be placed to protect the prepared tooth between appointments.
Check fit, appearance, and bite
Before final placement, Dr. Gubernick evaluates the crown’s fit, contacts, contours, color, and relationship with the opposing teeth.
Secure the final crown
Once the restoration is accepted, it is bonded or cemented into place and the bite is checked again for comfort.
The final restoration is an important part of protecting the tooth.
Root canal therapy treats the inside of an infected or inflamed tooth. After the root canal is completed, the tooth still needs an appropriate final restoration to seal and restore the visible structure.
Whether a crown is recommended depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, the amount of remaining structure, the chewing forces it receives, and the access opening required for treatment.
A crowned tooth still needs consistent daily care.
A crown covers the visible portion of the treated tooth, but the underlying tooth structure and surrounding gums still require brushing, cleaning between the teeth, and professional monitoring.
There is no guaranteed lifespan for a crown. Material, bite forces, tooth grinding, oral hygiene, diet, decay risk, and the health of the supporting tooth can all affect how long a restoration remains serviceable.
Brush twice each day
Use fluoride toothpaste and clean carefully where the crown meets the gum line.
Clean between the teeth
Floss or use another dentist-recommended interdental cleaner around the crowned tooth each day.
Avoid chewing hard objects
Do not chew ice, pens, fingernails, or other non-food objects that may damage natural teeth or restorations.
Address grinding or clenching
Tell Dr. Gubernick if you grind your teeth. A protective appliance may be recommended when appropriate.
Attend regular dental visits
Routine examinations allow the team to monitor the crown, surrounding gums, bite, and supporting tooth.
Report changes promptly
Contact the office if the crown feels loose, the bite feels uneven, or you develop pain, swelling, or persistent sensitivity.
Restorative dentistry with a personal, unhurried approach.
A dental crown should do more than cover a tooth. It must fit the prepared structure, contact neighboring teeth appropriately, work with your bite, support healthy contours, and coordinate with your smile.
Dr. Gubernick takes time to explain why treatment is being recommended, which material options may be appropriate, and what you can expect during each stage of care.
Benjamin J. Gubernick, DDS
Dr. Gubernick completed advanced postdoctoral training in restorative, surgical, and comprehensive dentistry through a General Practice Residency at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville.
Dental crowns in Tampa on South Dale Mabry.
Flex Dental welcomes new patients who need restorative, preventive, cosmetic, implant, and family dental care. Schedule online or call the office for help choosing the right visit.
310 South Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 120
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 999-1092
English, Spanish, and Portuguese
Questions about restoring your tooth?
These answers provide general information. An examination and appropriate diagnostic records are needed to determine whether a crown is the right treatment for your tooth.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom tooth-shaped restoration that covers the visible portion of a prepared tooth above the gum line. It may restore shape, support, chewing function, and appearance.
Why would I need a crown instead of a filling?
A filling replaces a localized area of missing tooth structure. A crown covers more of the tooth. A crown may be recommended when decay, fracture, or a large existing filling has left insufficient structure for a predictable filling.
Does every tooth need a crown after root canal treatment?
No. The appropriate restoration depends on the location of the tooth, how much structure remains, the size of the access opening, and the chewing forces the tooth receives. Back teeth commonly need greater restorative coverage, while some front teeth may be restored differently.
What types of dental crowns are available?
Crown materials may include porcelain or ceramic, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal, and gold or other metal alloys. The best option depends on the tooth’s location, bite, appearance goals, remaining structure, and other clinical factors.
Which crown looks the most natural?
Tooth-colored ceramic materials can be customized for shade, shape, and translucency. The most appropriate material is not determined by appearance alone; strength, bite, space, tooth location, and the opposing teeth must also be considered.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
Local anesthetic is commonly used while the tooth is being prepared. Experiences vary, and temporary tenderness may occur after treatment. Tell the team about dental anxiety, sensitivity, or prior difficulties so comfort options can be discussed.
How many appointments does a crown require?
The number of appointments depends on the tooth, whether additional treatment is required, the selected material, and how the crown is fabricated. Some treatment plans require a temporary crown and a later placement visit. Flex Dental will explain your expected timeline before treatment.
Will I need a temporary crown?
A temporary restoration may be placed when the permanent crown is fabricated separately. It protects the prepared tooth and helps maintain appearance and spacing between appointments. Follow the office’s eating and cleaning instructions while wearing it.
How long does a dental crown last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan. Longevity varies based on the material, condition of the supporting tooth, oral hygiene, decay risk, bite forces, tooth grinding, diet, accidents, and regular dental care. Routine examinations allow the crown and supporting tooth to be monitored.
Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?
Yes. The crown itself does not develop decay, but the natural tooth can develop decay near the crown margin. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth, limiting frequent sugar exposure, and attending dental visits remain important.
Can a crown be used on a dental implant?
Yes. An implant crown is the visible replacement tooth connected to a dental implant through an abutment. Implant crowns and crowns placed over natural teeth are supported in different ways and require different treatment steps.
What should I do if my crown feels loose or my bite feels high?
Contact Flex Dental rather than trying to adjust or recement the crown yourself. A loose crown, an uneven bite, new pain, swelling, or persistent sensitivity should be evaluated. Call (813) 999-1092 for guidance.
How much does a dental crown cost in Tampa?
Cost varies based on the material, the condition of the tooth, whether a buildup or root canal is needed, laboratory requirements, insurance benefits, and other treatment factors. Flex Dental can provide a personalized estimate after examining the tooth.
Patient education references
These independent resources provide general educational information and do not replace an examination, diagnosis, or individualized treatment recommendation from a licensed dentist.
Restore your tooth with a crown designed for your smile.
Meet with Dr. Benjamin J. Gubernick to find out whether a dental crown, filling, onlay, root canal restoration, or another treatment is appropriate for your tooth.