Patients can sustain tooth damage for various different reasons. Placing a custom-designed dental crown can help restore beauty and health to the natural smile. They are custom-made from dental impressions of your teeth so they will fit perfectly and blend in naturally.
Baltimore cosmetic dentists Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat offer custom dental crowns at Advanced Dental Health. We use state-of-the-art technology and high-grade porcelain to create dental crowns that resemble natural teeth and are built to last many years.
A dental crown can solve a wide range of restorative concerns. They can also treat many cosmetic concerns. Based on your needs, we can build a crown that is color-matched and shaped to blend effortlessly with your existing smile.
Metal-Free Dentistry
We use a variety of materials to fabricate custom dental crowns. When applicable, we often recommend ceramic or porcelain crowns because they offer several advantages compared to metal crowns. We can color-match ceramic and porcelain crowns to blend naturally with your teeth, creating a seamless result. If you have metal crowns, our team can work with you to replace old crowns with new crowns designed just for you.
About the Dental Crown Process
The dental crown process will involve several trips to our Hunt Valley, MD dentist office. During the first appointment, Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat will prepare the tooth. This involves removing the old crown, filling, or any decayed portion of the tooth as well as reducing the tooth to make room for the crown. Several impressions of your teeth will be taken and used to fabricate your temporary crown and permanent crown. They will place a temporary crown to protect the tooth until the permanent one is ready which usually takes about two weeks.
The lab ships your permanent dental crown directly to us once it is ready. During your second appointment, Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat will remove the temporary crown and place the new one. We securely bond it in place with a strong dental adhesive. He will then gently shape, smooth, and polish your new dental crown to create a natural look.
Implant Supported Dental Crown
Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat may also suggest a dental crown to replace a single missing tooth. When one tooth is missing, we surgically place a single dental implant in the void where the tooth once was. It will serve two purposes: to support a dental crown that replaces the missing tooth and to replace the missing tooth root.
This is the only tooth replacement option that replaces the tooth at the root which will lessen the chance of bone loss. A dental crown that is supported by a dental implant is better for your oral health and your overall health. A dental implant-supported restoration will function just like a natural tooth.
Dental Crown Uses
Dental crowns are versatile restorations that play a significant role in preserving and enhancing your smile.
1. Protecting Weak or Damaged Teeth
One of the primary uses of dental crowns is to protect teeth that are weak, cracked, or severely worn down. When a tooth has suffered significant damage, it becomes vulnerable to further harm, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. A crown acts as a protective barrier, covering the tooth and preventing it from breaking or deteriorating further.
2. Restoring Teeth After Root Canal Treatment
After a root canal treatment, a tooth can become brittle and more likely to crack or break. To restore the tooth’s function and protect it from damage, a dentist often places a crown over the treated tooth. The crown strengthens the tooth and helps it function like a healthy, natural tooth.
3. Repairing Large Cavities
When a tooth has a large cavity that cannot be fixed with a filling alone, a crown can be used to restore the tooth’s structure. Fillings are great for small areas of decay, but for more extensive damage, a crown provides the necessary support and protection, helping to prevent future issues.
4. Covering Dental Implants
Dental crowns are used to cover dental implants, which replace missing teeth. An implant serves as an artificial root, and the crown placed on top acts as the visible, functional part of the tooth. This combination looks like a natural tooth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
5. Improving the Appearance of Teeth
Crowns are not only used for restorative purposes; they can also improve the appearance of teeth. If you have a tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or uneven, a crown can be used to enhance its appearance, giving you a more attractive smile. Crowns provide a natural look and are often used in cosmetic dentistry to correct various aesthetic concerns.
6. Supporting Dental Bridges
Dental crowns are commonly used to support dental bridges. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth and is anchored to the adjacent teeth, fitted with crowns. These crowns hold the bridge securely in place, restoring the function and appearance of your smile.
7. Strengthening Worn Teeth
Teeth that are worn down from grinding (bruxism) or other factors can become weak and prone to damage. Crowns can restore these teeth by covering and protecting them, allowing you to maintain proper chewing function and prevent further wear.
Dental Crown FAQs
How long do dental crowns last?
On average, a dental crown can last anywhere from 10-30 years. The longevity of your crown depends on how well you take care of it and the materials used to make it. Crowns can crack and you must replace them earlier if you’re eating a lot of hard foods.
Is a metal crown or porcelain crown better?
At our office, we can make dental crowns with a variety of different materials. Metal crowns are typically more stable, but we also understand the desire for metal-free dentistry. Porcelain crowns blend in with your smile more and are ideal for crowns on teeth in the front of the mouth. There’s also the option of a hybrid, with extra stability of metal underneath the porcelain.
When can I eat after getting a dental crown?
After your crown is bonded, wait at least an hour to eat after the procedure. In addition, avoid any hard or sticky foods for a few hours, or even a day. You want to make sure you don’t cause problems with your new crown.