If you have broken or severely decayed teeth, a dental crown can help you restore the look, feel, and functionality of your natural tooth. At TotallySmiles, our dentists are prepared to help you address complex dental concerns within your smile, such as extensive dental damage. While some tooth chips and cracks can be concealed using cosmetic dental treatments in Gaithersburg, others will cause structural damage to your teeth and will affect the bite and the way you eat and speak.
It is best to have all damaged dentition and trauma assessed by a professional dentist as soon as possible to determine the best course of treatment. Otherwise, you risk the damage only getting worse and requiring more invasive treatment. Learn more about restorative dentistry below.
Dental Crowns in Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are experienced restorative dentists in Gaithersburg, MD. They are happy to provide dental crowns to patients in need of tooth restoration.
Patients love dental crowns because they help them avoid the need for a total tooth extraction after severe dental damage. Because our office has invested in the latest dental technologies, we can have you in and out with a restored dental crown in a single appointment.
What To Expect
Your dental crown will require extensive enamel removal; however, our doctors will ensure the affected area is numbed to avoid patient discomfort. If the procedure is causing you to have dental anxiety, talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry options. Sedation dentistry is an excellent way for you to sit back and relax while we provide the dental care you need.
After the affected area is numbed, your dentist will shape down your affected tooth to its foundational core. The foundational core will support the dental crown once it is set in place. We will use detailed digital dental impressions captured by a computer to provide the data we need to design your new restoration. Our software, coupled with our training, enables the milled fabrication of a dental crown from the finest porcelain.
If we are unable to provide a same-day dental crown for any reason, a temporary crown will be placed over your tooth to protect it from increased sensitivity. Once your porcelain crown is complete, we will secure it to your tooth using dental cement. The final product will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
The Many Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are one of the best tools a dentist has at their disposal. They can treat just about any restorative dental concern, and many cosmetic issues, too. They’re a popular choice with a wide variety of patients.
Fixing Cosmetic Issues
When you have discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening is the first solution we usually turn to. However, not all discoloration responds to teeth bleaching. Deep stains from medication or trauma-related discoloration won’t respond to traditional methods. We color-match dental crowns to whatever shade of white you desire. A crown completely covers the tooth, so any discoloration is not visible.
Crowns can also correct deformed or misshapen teeth, another cosmetic issue many people want resolved. Not only is this a cosmetic problem, but it can also impact function depending on where the tooth is located in your mouth. Teeth are important for biting and chewing food, as well as for proper speech. We match the crown to the size and shape of the rest of your teeth, so it blends in naturally.
Strengthening Natural Teeth
One of the typical uses for a dental crown is to strengthen and stabilize the tooth after a root canal. A root canal procedure involves removing infected dental pulp from inside the center of the tooth. We refill it with a biocompatible material and seal it. But sometimes you don’t regain your full function and stability. A dental crown helps ensure that you can use your tooth normally and further protects it from infection.
When you have a traditional dental bridge, the two natural teeth on either side of the span anchor it in place. Those anchor teeth bear much of the extra stress since they support the bridge restoration. They wear down faster and are more likely to succumb to tooth decay or other problems. Putting a dental crown on each of these teeth fortifies them so they don’t experience this extra pressure. All the stress from the bridge support is transferred to the crowns instead.
Salvaging Tooth Structure
A dental crown is often the last line of defense to save a severely decayed or broken tooth. We ensure that we preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Losing the tooth root has many negative effects on your smile, so we attempt to avoid that whenever possible. With a severely fractured tooth, a crown can hold the pieces together and restore tooth function. It can also complete a tooth that’s lost a lot of structure due to decay, fortifying it to normal strength.
It also helps when a large portion of your tooth breaks off. When this happens, nerves and other sensitive material inside your tooth become exposed. When food touches it while you’re eating, it’s painful and can make it difficult to consume certain foods. A crown replaces the lost tooth structure and protects the tooth’s interior.
Completing a Dental Implant
Dental implants are the top choice for tooth replacement. They bring oral health benefits that you can’t get with other restorations. This includes looking and feeling as natural as possible. This is especially true when the implant is completed with a dental crown. We ensure dental crowns are made to match the size, shape, and shade of the rest of your teeth, so they blend in perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some frequently asked questions about dental crowns.
Will dental insurance cover crowns?
Dental insurance often covers crowns, but coverage depends on your specific policy. Many plans cover some of the cost, especially if you need a crown for medical reasons. These reasons can include restoring tooth damage and decay. However, if the crown is solely for cosmetic purposes, insurance may not cover it. It’s best to check with your dental insurance provider to understand your coverage details.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last up to 15 years. However, they can last longer but with good care. Good oral hygiene and avoiding hard or sticky foods help extend the lifespan of a crown. Regular dental check-ups are also important to ensure the crown and the surrounding teeth remain healthy.
At what age do people get crowns?
People can get crowns at any age, but they’re more common in adults. We usually see patients needing crowns in their 30s and older. That’s when years of wear and tear start to show. Younger people might need crowns after accidents or severe decay. Moreover, some kids get stainless steel crowns on baby teeth.
Will my crown look natural?
Yes, your crown will look natural. Most dentists use materials like porcelain or ceramic that closely match natural teeth’ color. The crown is custom-made to fit your tooth and blend well with surrounding teeth. With the expertise of a skilled dentist and proper care, your crown will be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Are there any food restrictions with crowns?
Generally, there are no strict food restrictions with dental crowns. However, it’s wise to avoid certain habits to prolong their lifespan. You should avoid biting down on hard objects like ice, nuts, or hard candies. These foods can damage the crown. Sticky foods like caramels can also pose a risk by potentially pulling at the crown. Maintaining good oral hygiene and bi-yearly dental check-ups keeps your crown in great shape.
How long does a crown last compared to a filling?
Tooth crowns usually last longer than fillings. A well-made crown can serve you for 15 to 30 years with good oral care. On the other hand, fillings typically need replacement every 5 to 15 years. Crowns cover the entire tooth, offering more protection. They’re stronger and more durable than most filling materials. However, both crowns and fillings can fail earlier due to decay or trauma. Regular dental check-ups help catch any issues early.
Schedule An Appointment
If you need restorative dentistry services in Gaithersburg, MD, we welcome you to visit TotallySmiles. Schedule an appointment online for a consultation with one of our amazing doctors. We look forward to seeing you soon.