Man and woman swinging their daughter by the hands in their driveway after getting dental fillings

Dental Fillings Northampton

Dental crowns are artificial caps that are placed on top of a tooth that has been damaged or stained. Crowns are also commonly used during the placement of dental implants to provide a natural-looking treatment that can absorb normal biting and chewing force.

Some reasons why you may need a dental crown include:

• Repairing a worn down or broken tooth
• Repairing and covering a tooth after a root canal procedure
• As part of a dental bridge
• To cap a dental implant
• For covering poorly shaped or discolored teeth

Getting a Dental Crown

If you are getting a dental crown, your dentist will begin by examining your tooth and taking x-rays to look for cavities and to visualize the tooth root structure. They will then file down your tooth after you have received local anesthesia.

If necessary, your dentist will be taking impressions of your tooth to be sent to a dental lab, which will custom craft your new crown.

When your crown is ready, you will return for another appointment. Your dentist will be checking to ensure that your crown has the correct color and fit. They will then permanently cement it into place.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several different types of dental crowns available. The type that works best for you can be determined at your initial consultation.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) is the type most often used for patients. These crowns can be tooth-colored and are highly durable, as well as reasonably priced. PFM crowns are most often used for back teeth since their metal base offers strength that can withstand biting and chewing force.

One drawback of PFM crowns is that it is sometimes possible for others to see them in full natural light. Also, if the gums should recede, the metal base will be visible in the form of a dark line.

Various types of metallic alloys are used to construct PFM crowns. Types incorporating precious metals are more expensive than conventional alloys.

Full Porcelain or Ceramic

The advantage of these types of crowns is that they offer the most natural aesthetic appearance. They are also a great choice for anyone with metal allergies. Full porcelain or ceramic is most frequently used for highly visible front teeth.

One drawback of porcelain or ceramic crowns is that they are not as durable as the PFM variety, and are more expensive.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is the strongest type of available crown, with an outstanding natural appearance when compared to full porcelain or ceramic. They also cost more than other types of crowns, but if you want a virtually indestructible dental crown that can be used both for rear and front teeth, they make a good choice. Since zirconia is stronger, it also involves less tooth structure removal than other types of crowns because the material can be thinner.

Crown Durability

Read More »
Man and woman giving their child a piggyback ride outdoors after dental exam and cleaning in Northampton

Dental Exams & Cleanings Northampton

Dental crowns are artificial caps that are placed on top of a tooth that has been damaged or stained. Crowns are also commonly used during the placement of dental implants to provide a natural-looking treatment that can absorb normal biting and chewing force.

Some reasons why you may need a dental crown include:

• Repairing a worn down or broken tooth
• Repairing and covering a tooth after a root canal procedure
• As part of a dental bridge
• To cap a dental implant
• For covering poorly shaped or discolored teeth

Getting a Dental Crown

If you are getting a dental crown, your dentist will begin by examining your tooth and taking x-rays to look for cavities and to visualize the tooth root structure. They will then file down your tooth after you have received local anesthesia.

If necessary, your dentist will be taking impressions of your tooth to be sent to a dental lab, which will custom craft your new crown.

When your crown is ready, you will return for another appointment. Your dentist will be checking to ensure that your crown has the correct color and fit. They will then permanently cement it into place.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several different types of dental crowns available. The type that works best for you can be determined at your initial consultation.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) is the type most often used for patients. These crowns can be tooth-colored and are highly durable, as well as reasonably priced. PFM crowns are most often used for back teeth since their metal base offers strength that can withstand biting and chewing force.

One drawback of PFM crowns is that it is sometimes possible for others to see them in full natural light. Also, if the gums should recede, the metal base will be visible in the form of a dark line.

Various types of metallic alloys are used to construct PFM crowns. Types incorporating precious metals are more expensive than conventional alloys.

Full Porcelain or Ceramic

The advantage of these types of crowns is that they offer the most natural aesthetic appearance. They are also a great choice for anyone with metal allergies. Full porcelain or ceramic is most frequently used for highly visible front teeth.

One drawback of porcelain or ceramic crowns is that they are not as durable as the PFM variety, and are more expensive.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is the strongest type of available crown, with an outstanding natural appearance when compared to full porcelain or ceramic. They also cost more than other types of crowns, but if you want a virtually indestructible dental crown that can be used both for rear and front teeth, they make a good choice. Since zirconia is stronger, it also involves less tooth structure removal than other types of crowns because the material can be thinner.

Crown Durability

Read More »
A beautiful woman smiling while looking into the distance

Emergency Dentist — Northampton, MA

Dental crowns are artificial caps that are placed on top of a tooth that has been damaged or stained. Crowns are also commonly used during the placement of dental implants to provide a natural-looking treatment that can absorb normal biting and chewing force.

Some reasons why you may need a dental crown include:

• Repairing a worn down or broken tooth
• Repairing and covering a tooth after a root canal procedure
• As part of a dental bridge
• To cap a dental implant
• For covering poorly shaped or discolored teeth

Getting a Dental Crown

If you are getting a dental crown, your dentist will begin by examining your tooth and taking x-rays to look for cavities and to visualize the tooth root structure. They will then file down your tooth after you have received local anesthesia.

If necessary, your dentist will be taking impressions of your tooth to be sent to a dental lab, which will custom craft your new crown.

When your crown is ready, you will return for another appointment. Your dentist will be checking to ensure that your crown has the correct color and fit. They will then permanently cement it into place.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several different types of dental crowns available. The type that works best for you can be determined at your initial consultation.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) is the type most often used for patients. These crowns can be tooth-colored and are highly durable, as well as reasonably priced. PFM crowns are most often used for back teeth since their metal base offers strength that can withstand biting and chewing force.

One drawback of PFM crowns is that it is sometimes possible for others to see them in full natural light. Also, if the gums should recede, the metal base will be visible in the form of a dark line.

Various types of metallic alloys are used to construct PFM crowns. Types incorporating precious metals are more expensive than conventional alloys.

Full Porcelain or Ceramic

The advantage of these types of crowns is that they offer the most natural aesthetic appearance. They are also a great choice for anyone with metal allergies. Full porcelain or ceramic is most frequently used for highly visible front teeth.

One drawback of porcelain or ceramic crowns is that they are not as durable as the PFM variety, and are more expensive.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is the strongest type of available crown, with an outstanding natural appearance when compared to full porcelain or ceramic. They also cost more than other types of crowns, but if you want a virtually indestructible dental crown that can be used both for rear and front teeth, they make a good choice. Since zirconia is stronger, it also involves less tooth structure removal than other types of crowns because the material can be thinner.

Crown Durability

Read More »
Man and woman smiling with dental bridges in Northampton and sitting on couch with their daughter

Dental Bridges Northampton

Dental crowns are artificial caps that are placed on top of a tooth that has been damaged or stained. Crowns are also commonly used during the placement of dental implants to provide a natural-looking treatment that can absorb normal biting and chewing force.

Some reasons why you may need a dental crown include:

• Repairing a worn down or broken tooth
• Repairing and covering a tooth after a root canal procedure
• As part of a dental bridge
• To cap a dental implant
• For covering poorly shaped or discolored teeth

Getting a Dental Crown

If you are getting a dental crown, your dentist will begin by examining your tooth and taking x-rays to look for cavities and to visualize the tooth root structure. They will then file down your tooth after you have received local anesthesia.

If necessary, your dentist will be taking impressions of your tooth to be sent to a dental lab, which will custom craft your new crown.

When your crown is ready, you will return for another appointment. Your dentist will be checking to ensure that your crown has the correct color and fit. They will then permanently cement it into place.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several different types of dental crowns available. The type that works best for you can be determined at your initial consultation.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) is the type most often used for patients. These crowns can be tooth-colored and are highly durable, as well as reasonably priced. PFM crowns are most often used for back teeth since their metal base offers strength that can withstand biting and chewing force.

One drawback of PFM crowns is that it is sometimes possible for others to see them in full natural light. Also, if the gums should recede, the metal base will be visible in the form of a dark line.

Various types of metallic alloys are used to construct PFM crowns. Types incorporating precious metals are more expensive than conventional alloys.

Full Porcelain or Ceramic

The advantage of these types of crowns is that they offer the most natural aesthetic appearance. They are also a great choice for anyone with metal allergies. Full porcelain or ceramic is most frequently used for highly visible front teeth.

One drawback of porcelain or ceramic crowns is that they are not as durable as the PFM variety, and are more expensive.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is the strongest type of available crown, with an outstanding natural appearance when compared to full porcelain or ceramic. They also cost more than other types of crowns, but if you want a virtually indestructible dental crown that can be used both for rear and front teeth, they make a good choice. Since zirconia is stronger, it also involves less tooth structure removal than other types of crowns because the material can be thinner.

Crown Durability

Read More »
Two women looking at a phone together on a park bench

Dental Bonding Northampton

Dental crowns are artificial caps that are placed on top of a tooth that has been damaged or stained. Crowns are also commonly used during the placement of dental implants to provide a natural-looking treatment that can absorb normal biting and chewing force.

Some reasons why you may need a dental crown include:

• Repairing a worn down or broken tooth
• Repairing and covering a tooth after a root canal procedure
• As part of a dental bridge
• To cap a dental implant
• For covering poorly shaped or discolored teeth

Getting a Dental Crown

If you are getting a dental crown, your dentist will begin by examining your tooth and taking x-rays to look for cavities and to visualize the tooth root structure. They will then file down your tooth after you have received local anesthesia.

If necessary, your dentist will be taking impressions of your tooth to be sent to a dental lab, which will custom craft your new crown.

When your crown is ready, you will return for another appointment. Your dentist will be checking to ensure that your crown has the correct color and fit. They will then permanently cement it into place.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several different types of dental crowns available. The type that works best for you can be determined at your initial consultation.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) is the type most often used for patients. These crowns can be tooth-colored and are highly durable, as well as reasonably priced. PFM crowns are most often used for back teeth since their metal base offers strength that can withstand biting and chewing force.

One drawback of PFM crowns is that it is sometimes possible for others to see them in full natural light. Also, if the gums should recede, the metal base will be visible in the form of a dark line.

Various types of metallic alloys are used to construct PFM crowns. Types incorporating precious metals are more expensive than conventional alloys.

Full Porcelain or Ceramic

The advantage of these types of crowns is that they offer the most natural aesthetic appearance. They are also a great choice for anyone with metal allergies. Full porcelain or ceramic is most frequently used for highly visible front teeth.

One drawback of porcelain or ceramic crowns is that they are not as durable as the PFM variety, and are more expensive.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is the strongest type of available crown, with an outstanding natural appearance when compared to full porcelain or ceramic. They also cost more than other types of crowns, but if you want a virtually indestructible dental crown that can be used both for rear and front teeth, they make a good choice. Since zirconia is stronger, it also involves less tooth structure removal than other types of crowns because the material can be thinner.

Crown Durability

Read More »
Mother smiling and hugging her daughter after dealing with dental anxiety in Northampton

Dental Anxiety Northampton

Dental crowns are artificial caps that are placed on top of a tooth that has been damaged or stained. Crowns are also commonly used during the placement of dental implants to provide a natural-looking treatment that can absorb normal biting and chewing force.

Some reasons why you may need a dental crown include:

• Repairing a worn down or broken tooth
• Repairing and covering a tooth after a root canal procedure
• As part of a dental bridge
• To cap a dental implant
• For covering poorly shaped or discolored teeth

Getting a Dental Crown

If you are getting a dental crown, your dentist will begin by examining your tooth and taking x-rays to look for cavities and to visualize the tooth root structure. They will then file down your tooth after you have received local anesthesia.

If necessary, your dentist will be taking impressions of your tooth to be sent to a dental lab, which will custom craft your new crown.

When your crown is ready, you will return for another appointment. Your dentist will be checking to ensure that your crown has the correct color and fit. They will then permanently cement it into place.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several different types of dental crowns available. The type that works best for you can be determined at your initial consultation.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) is the type most often used for patients. These crowns can be tooth-colored and are highly durable, as well as reasonably priced. PFM crowns are most often used for back teeth since their metal base offers strength that can withstand biting and chewing force.

One drawback of PFM crowns is that it is sometimes possible for others to see them in full natural light. Also, if the gums should recede, the metal base will be visible in the form of a dark line.

Various types of metallic alloys are used to construct PFM crowns. Types incorporating precious metals are more expensive than conventional alloys.

Full Porcelain or Ceramic

The advantage of these types of crowns is that they offer the most natural aesthetic appearance. They are also a great choice for anyone with metal allergies. Full porcelain or ceramic is most frequently used for highly visible front teeth.

One drawback of porcelain or ceramic crowns is that they are not as durable as the PFM variety, and are more expensive.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is the strongest type of available crown, with an outstanding natural appearance when compared to full porcelain or ceramic. They also cost more than other types of crowns, but if you want a virtually indestructible dental crown that can be used both for rear and front teeth, they make a good choice. Since zirconia is stronger, it also involves less tooth structure removal than other types of crowns because the material can be thinner.

Crown Durability

Read More »
Family of four laughing on couch together after getting dental crowns in Northampton

Dental Crowns Northampton

Dental crowns are artificial caps that are placed on top of a tooth that has been damaged or stained. Crowns are also commonly used during the placement of dental implants to provide a natural-looking treatment that can absorb normal biting and chewing force.

Some reasons why you may need a dental crown include:

• Repairing a worn down or broken tooth
• Repairing and covering a tooth after a root canal procedure
• As part of a dental bridge
• To cap a dental implant
• For covering poorly shaped or discolored teeth

Getting a Dental Crown

If you are getting a dental crown, your dentist will begin by examining your tooth and taking x-rays to look for cavities and to visualize the tooth root structure. They will then file down your tooth after you have received local anesthesia.

If necessary, your dentist will be taking impressions of your tooth to be sent to a dental lab, which will custom craft your new crown.

When your crown is ready, you will return for another appointment. Your dentist will be checking to ensure that your crown has the correct color and fit. They will then permanently cement it into place.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several different types of dental crowns available. The type that works best for you can be determined at your initial consultation.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) is the type most often used for patients. These crowns can be tooth-colored and are highly durable, as well as reasonably priced. PFM crowns are most often used for back teeth since their metal base offers strength that can withstand biting and chewing force.

One drawback of PFM crowns is that it is sometimes possible for others to see them in full natural light. Also, if the gums should recede, the metal base will be visible in the form of a dark line.

Various types of metallic alloys are used to construct PFM crowns. Types incorporating precious metals are more expensive than conventional alloys.

Full Porcelain or Ceramic

The advantage of these types of crowns is that they offer the most natural aesthetic appearance. They are also a great choice for anyone with metal allergies. Full porcelain or ceramic is most frequently used for highly visible front teeth.

One drawback of porcelain or ceramic crowns is that they are not as durable as the PFM variety, and are more expensive.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is the strongest type of available crown, with an outstanding natural appearance when compared to full porcelain or ceramic. They also cost more than other types of crowns, but if you want a virtually indestructible dental crown that can be used both for rear and front teeth, they make a good choice. Since zirconia is stronger, it also involves less tooth structure removal than other types of crowns because the material can be thinner.

Crown Durability

Read More »
Northampton dentist Doctor Claire Edwards

Dr. Claire Edwards

I grew up in the small town of Klamath Falls in Southern Oregon, the type of town where you could not go anywhere without seeing somebody you knew. I am now happy to call this friendly valley my home, where I can learn and grow with my community and with my patients. Having grown up with one consistent and dependable dentist throughout my youth, this is the type of family dentist I strive to be for my patients. Although a former Northampton transplant during my time spent as an undergraduate at Smith College, I now reside in Easthampton.

I obtained my dental education at Rutgers Dental School formerly known as University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. There, I was inducted to Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic honor society. Through participation in continuing education courses I am dedicated to providing current and quality dentistry to my family of patients. My dental memberships include the Massachusetts Dental Society, American Dental Association, and Pioneer Valley Women Dentists.

When I am not at work, you can find me out for a walk with my dog, Rocky, dropping in on any interesting dance class that crosses my path, lifting weights, or trying out a new restaurant. Most recently, I have been attempting to learn to snowboard. I frequently take weekend trips to NYC, but do my best to travel and see as much of this blue-green planet as possible.

I am very much enjoying my first years in private dental practice, being able to transform my passion for science, art, and patient care into my profession.

Read More »