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
Dental crowns can treat almost any restorative dental problem. Read to learn more.
How long do dental crowns last?
On average, a dental crown can last anywhere from 10 to 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.
What materials are dental crowns made from?
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, zirconia, or a combination of these. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular for front teeth because they match the natural tooth color. Metal crowns, such as those made of gold or stainless steel, are more durable and are often used on back teeth. Your dentist will help you choose the best material based on your needs and the crown’s location.
Can dental crowns be whitened?
No, dental crowns cannot be whitened with bleaching treatments like natural teeth. Crowns are made from materials that don’t respond to whitening agents. If you are considering teeth whitening, it’s best to do it before getting a crown so the crown can be matched to your lighter tooth color. If your crown becomes discolored or stained, replacement may be the only option for aesthetic improvement.
Can a crowned tooth get a cavity?
Yes, the tooth beneath the crown can still develop decay, especially at the gumline where the crown meets the natural tooth. That’s why it’s important to brush and floss carefully around crowned teeth. Good oral hygiene helps prevent cavities and gum disease around the crown. Regular dental visits are essential for monitoring these areas.
Can a crown fall off?
Yes, although rare, a crown can fall off if the cement weakens or if there’s decay underneath the tooth. If this happens, contact us right away. In some cases, the crown can be re-cemented; however, if it’s damaged or the tooth has changed, a new crown may be necessary. Avoid chewing sticky foods like caramel to reduce this risk
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes, once the crown is placed and your mouth adjusts, you should be able to eat normally. Crowns are designed to withstand normal biting and chewing forces. However, it’s wise to avoid very hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge the crown. If you experience sensitivity after placement, stick to soft foods until the issue resolves.