A dental crown is a restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, giving it a very natural look. Whether you need to replace an existing cap or have a tooth that needs a crown, Owings Mills, MD, dentist Dr. Ed Lazer can create a custom dental crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Dentists sometimes call them a tooth cap or tooth crown. The dental crown will cap a tooth and remain in place using dental cement.
As an experienced and highly trained dentist, Dr. Lazer will ensure that your dental crown is both aesthetically pleasing and supports your long-term dental health. He will make sure that it fits comfortably, feels like a real tooth, and lasts a long time. Dr. Lazer also offers additional restorative dental treatments at his Owings Mills dental office.
About The Dental Crown Process
The dental crown process consists of a few steps that you and your dentist will work through together. First is the initial visit or consultation where our dentist will create a plan of treatment.
Next is the preparation where Dr. Lazer will prepare your mouth for the crown. The last step is the permanent placement of the crown. In the following, we will elaborate on the three main steps.
Initial Visit
Dr. Lazer will conduct a thorough examination of your overall dental health. He will look for signs of decay, stress and instability that could compromise your results using diagnostic x-rays, molds and impressions.
This exam will help us design a personalized treatment plan that will restore the affected tooth to better health and full function.
We are now conducting many of our dental crown procedures using CEREC technology in our Owings Mills, MD cosmetic dentistry. This dental software and modern tools will help Dr. Lazer evaluate your condition and choose the type of dental crown that is right for you.
For anterior teeth, or those in the smile zone, Dr. Lazer may prefer to use a dental laboratory. To learn more about our same-day dental crowns, see Dental crowns.
Tooth Preparation
Once you approve the treatment plan, Dr. Lazer will prepare the tooth or teeth so that the crown can fit properly. He will remove infection and a small amount of the natural tooth structure. By shaving off a small portion of the tooth, we are ensuring that the crown will have a snug fit.
Next, your dentist will take a digital impression of the tooth. We may ask you to wear a temporary crown while we create the permanent crown in a dental lab. Be sure to follow all instructions from our dental care team.
However, with CEREC® technology at our disposal, the need for a temporary tooth cap is not always necessary. Dr. Lazer will take digital images of the prepared tooth with precision and accuracy, and create a digital 3D model of the new dental crown.
Then, he will use the 3D model to create a beautiful and natural functioning dental crown at our onsite dental lab. If Dr. Lazer chooses to use an off-site dental lab to make your dental crown, he will place a temporary tooth cap while we wait for the final repair.
Final Restoration
For our patients receiving a dental crown using CEREC® software, their restoration is complete in just one visit to our Owings Mills dental office. Otherwise, Dr. Lazer will place your new dental crown in about 2-3 weeks after your initial visit.
Once the permanent crown is ready, our dentist will replace your temporary crown and check for a proper fit. We will also make sure that the crown looks natural and matches the color of the surrounding teeth.
Once you and Dr. Lazer are happy with the fit, look, and position of the crown, he will use adhesive to permanently bond the crown to the tooth and polish it for a gorgeous finish. To top off the process, Dr. Lazer will evaluate your bite and make any necessary changes to ensure a comfortable fit.
The dental crown process may take several visits and some time to complete. However, the end result will be a durable, natural looking restoration that will help you maintain your oral health.
Plus, with proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last for up to 15 years! So, if you’re looking to restore the look and strength of a damaged or decayed tooth, be sure to speak to our dentist about getting a dental crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to questions our patients have about tooth crowns and the procedure.
How long does it take to recover after crown placement?
Recovery after crown placement usually takes a few days to a week. You might feel some sensitivity or discomfort, especially when chewing, but this usually improves quickly. Most people adjust to their new crown within a week. If discomfort lasts longer, contact our office for an appointment.
Can a tooth with a crown still decay?
Yes, a tooth with a crown can still decay. The crown itself won’t decay, but the natural tooth underneath can. Decay often starts at the margin where the crown meets the tooth if bacteria or plaque accumulates. You should brush and floss daily and attend dental exams and check-ups to keep the tooth and crown healthy.
Does a crown hurt more than a filling?
Getting a crown doesn’t hurt more than a filling. We use local anesthesia for both procedures so that you won’t feel pain during treatment. However, because a crown covers the entire tooth and requires more preparation, you might experience slightly more discomfort afterward, such as sensitivity or soreness. This discomfort is usually mild and temporary. Most people find both procedures manageable with proper dental care.
Can a dental crown fall off or become loose?
Yes, a dental crown can fall off or become loose. However, this is not common if you care for it properly. This can happen due to weakened cement, decay under the crown, or trauma like biting something hard. If your crown becomes loose or falls off, contact us immediately. We can usually re-cement it if the crown and underlying tooth are still in good condition. Meanwhile, avoid chewing on that side to prevent further damage.
Will a crown affect my speech?
A crown usually won’t affect your speech, but you might notice a slight difference initially. It can take a few days to adjust to the new shape and size of the crowned tooth. Most people adapt quickly. Moreover, any temporary speech changes usually resolve within a short period. If you continue to experience issues, your dentist can adjust to improve the fit.
Why does my dental crown hurt?
Your dental crown might hurt for a few reasons. The underlying tooth could be sensitive, especially if a dentist placed the crown recently. Sometimes, the crown’s fit might be too high. This can cause discomfort when you bite down. Pain could also indicate decay under the crown or irritation of the surrounding gum tissue. In rare cases, an infection in the tooth’s nerve might be the cause. If the pain persists, see a dentist to pinpoint the exact cause and get the proper treatment.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Give us a call at (410) 697-6290 or request an appointment online today.