Dental crowns, also known as caps, are important dental restorations that can repair damaged and decayed teeth. We use them to return function and strength to the tooth. Dr. Lazer and Dr. Doroshenko offer quality, same-day dental crowns using CEREC technology. If you require a dental crown in Hunt Valley, MD, you can trust Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry to create a high-quality restoration. We also provide comprehensive dentistry services in Hunt Valley, Baltimore, MD.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fully covers a tooth. Crowns can use materials like gold or ceramic, but our office creates porcelain crowns. Crowns rest at the gums and we cement them in place to the existing tooth. We recommend a dental crown when you need to restore the shape, size, strength, or appearance of one or more teeth.
Why Would a Patient Need a Dental Crown?
A crown is a strong restoration that can protect your tooth. Getting a crown can also create a balanced bite. You may need a dental crown for several reasons:
- Tooth Decay: If a tooth has too much decay to be fixed with a regular filling, a crown can restore and protect it.
- Fractured or Cracked Teeth: A crown can cover a cracked tooth, giving it strength and preventing more damage.
- Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal, teeth are weaker and more likely to break. A crown helps strengthen the tooth and keep it safe.
- Large Fillings: If a tooth already has a large filling or serious damage, a crown provides extra support and protection.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can also improve the look of your smile by covering teeth that are misshapen or discolored.
Benefits of Porcelain Dental Crowns
A porcelain dental crown is a popular restorative dentistry choice. They offer a natural appearance and several advantages, including:
- Resemble the color of natural teeth to blend in with the surrounding teeth
- Little chance of an allergic reaction
- Able to withstand normal biting and chewing forces due to durability
- Porcelain is resistant to stains
We recommend tooth-colored crowns over metal crowns for multiple reasons. We color-match your tooth-colored crowns to your teeth. Metal crowns stand out, even if they’re on your molars. You can also feel increased tooth sensitivity if you get metal crowns, which you won’t feel with porcelain materials.
We Offer Same-Day Dental Crowns in Hunt Valley, MD
A dental crown involves multiple several visits to the dentist office. But with CEREC technology, we can prepare the tooth, fabricate the crown, and place it all in one visit.
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics and utilizes computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The same-day dental crown process typically involves:
- Digital Impression: We take digital impressions of your compromised tooth using a special scanning wand instead of using messy dental putty.
- CAD/CAM Design: The next step is to take the digital impressions and feed them into a computer, where we will create a custom dental crown using advanced software.
- Milling Process: When the final designed crown is completed, we begin milling it from a block of porcelain.
- Placement: In the same visit, we place and bond the porcelain dental crown to the prepared tooth for an immediate restoration.
The benefits of same-day dental crowns include time efficiency, reduced need for temporary crowns, and accurate, precise results.
About Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations that we use if the damage to your tooth is too extensive for a dental filling but doesn’t necessarily need a full dental crown. They’re custom-made to fit perfectly in the portion of the tooth where it is needed. We make these restorations using CEREC technology in a single dental appointment.
Inlays fit in the grooves and cusps of a damaged tooth and used for moderate tooth decay or structural damage. An onlay covers a larger portion of the tooth including one or more cusps for more extensive damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We can help. Read answers to common questions about dental crowns in Hunt Valley, MD.
Do dental crowns cause more pain than a filling?
No, crowns usually don’t cause more pain than a filling. We use local anesthesia to numb the tooth, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You may have some soreness afterward, but it’s similar to what you’d feel after a filling. Any discomfort should go away in a few days.
Can I get a crown on a front tooth?
Yes, you can get a crown on a front tooth. In fact, crowns are often used for front teeth that are chipped, cracked or have significant decay. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are typically chosen for front teeth because they look natural and match the color of your other teeth.
Can crowns be used for cosmetic purposes?
We mostly use crowns to improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or damaged teeth. However, patients can also be used for cosmetic purposes. Crowns not only provide strength and protection for the underlying tooth structure, but they can also enhance the look of your smile.
How soon can I eat after getting a crown?
You can usually eat once the numbness from the anesthesia wears off, which might be in a couple of hours. It’s best to start with soft foods to be gentle on your new crown. As you feel more comfortable, you can return to your normal eating habits.
Can food get under a crown?
Yes, food can sometimes get stuck around the edges of a crown, just like with your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing help prevent this issue. Please let us know if you notice food getting trapped frequently. We’ll examine your crown to ensure it fits properly.
How long after a crown is cemented can I brush my teeth?
You can gently brush your teeth after the numbness fades, typically the same day your crown is placed. However, you should be cautious around the crowned tooth for the first 24 hours to allow the cement to harden fully. Keeping up with your oral hygiene is important to maintain the health of your crown and surrounding teeth.
Schedule an Appointment for a Dental Crown in Hunt Valley, MD
Do you need to protect a cracked or chipped tooth Contact Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry by calling (410) 697-6290. You can also request an appointment online.