Dr. Andrey Doroshenko and Dr. Ed Lazer use porcelain dental crowns to strengthen and protect teeth with a natural-looking result. We now offer the convenience of same-day dental crowns with innovative CEREC technology in our Owings Mills, MD office.
Dental Crowns Restore Health, Beauty, and Function
Crowns are restorative dental treatments. A dental crown restores cracked, broken, or crooked teeth. Dental crowns can also protect teeth after a root canal.
Because a dental crown fits over the tooth like a thimble, it is also known as a tooth cap. This common dental restoration can improve the appearance of a tooth and give it strength to protect it from future damage.
You may need a dental crown for the following situations:
- Protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold a cracked tooth together.
- Restore a broken tooth or a severely worn down tooth.
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth left.
- Hold a dental bridge in place.
- Cover misshapen or severely stained teeth.
- Restore a dental implant.
A dentist can choose from many materials for creating a dental crown. Baltimore’s cosmetic dentist, Dr. Lazer, chooses porcelain dental crowns because they offer natural-looking results and long-term strength. No one will be able to notice you are wearing a crown because they blend in seamlessly with your smile. Dr. Lazer or Doroshenko will color-match your dental crown or crowns to your natural teeth to help you reach your cosmetic goals.
Single Visit Dental Crown
Dr. Lazer and Dr. Doroshenko are part of a handful of dentists in Baltimore who integrate CEREC technology into their dental practice. CEREC is a state-of-the-art dental technology that allows Dr. Lazer to fabricate same-day dental restorations, including dental crowns, inlays, and onlays.
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics and uses CAD/CAM technology to design and fabricate tooth-colored ceramic dental crowns in one office visit.
How Does CEREC Work?
We now do many dental crown procedures with CEREC technology in our Baltimore dental office. Dr. Lazer will scan your compromised tooth, creating a 3-D digital image. We will use this 3-D image to design a crown that will fit perfectly.
We will send this image to our in-office milling system, where it will make your custom crown. There are so many benefits to using CEREC software, such as:
- The crown is made of high-quality porcelain
- There is no need for a temporary crown
- There is no need for impression trays
- All steps in the crown process are completed in one office visit
- The crown fits more snugly with the use of digital 3-D imaging
Our dental care team will evaluate your condition and choose the type of dental crown that is right for you. For anterior teeth, those in the smile zone, Dr. Lazer may prefer to use a dental laboratory.
Dental Crown FAQs
How long does it take to adjust to a dental crown?
Most patients report that it takes about four days to adjust to a new dental crown in their mouth. It takes time for the crown to be fully cemented on the teeth. In most cases, after four days, the crown starts to feel like a normal part of the patient’s mouth. It will also feel more natural to bite and chew with the dental crown.
How long should a crown last on a tooth?
The lifespan of a dental crown depends on a variety of factors. Depending on a patient’s diet, oral hygiene, and crown placement, a dental crown can last 10-30 years.
Is crown removal painful?
Removing a dental crown at the dentist office is a pain-free procedure. Patients may feel some pressure, but the procedure does not involve any nerves and is generally pain-free. The dentist may not even need an anesthetic during this quick procedure.
Does the dentist numb you for a crown?
Yes. To place a permanent crown, the dentist must numb the surrounding area of the affected tooth. Then, they will cement the crown to your tooth. The dentist will already have designed and created the crown to fit perfectly over your tooth, so this procedure is fairly simple.
Can you eat normally with crowns?
Patients with dental crowns can eat normally. We advise patients to avoid sticky foods for at least 24 hours after receiving a dental crown. This is because the crowns need to settle on the tooth fully. Then, patients can eat whatever they choose with caution, as it may take a few days to adjust to your new crown.
What should I expect after dental crowns?
After your dentist places a crown, you should expect minor discomfort for a few days. Within a week or two, most patients report decreased discomfort. You can reduce gum swelling by using warm salt water rinses two to three times daily.
If you feel sensitivity, avoid hot and cold foods and beverages that can aggravate your sensitivity.
How long should my discomfort last after I get a dental crown?
After placing your crown, you may experience some pain and discomfort for a short time. In general, pain should subside after a few weeks. Call our office for a checkup if you’re still in pain after two weeks. Severe and prolonged pain is abnormal.
Why does my dental crown hurt at night?
A fractured dental crown can cause discomfort and mild pain. Bruxism, or nighttime teeth clenching and grinding, can fracture a dental crown. As a result, you can feel tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold items.
Schedule a visit if this occurs. We will examine your smile to determine if your crown fits properly and if you have sustained damage to your crown.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation
Do you want to protect a worn or damaged tooth? Learn more about dental crowns in our Owings Mills, MD, and Baltimore, MD, area dental office. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Doroshenko or Dr. Lazer. We are currently welcoming new patients. Call (410) 697-6290 to schedule a free consultation or request a visit using our online form.