Bethesda Family Smiles is here to help you restore your smile when something goes wrong. When a tooth is severely fractured, injured, decayed, or generally damaged, this presents a wide range of dental health concerns. Not only does your tooth not look its best, but also it is less functional than it once was. When your tooth cannot work as it should, speaking and chewing are far more complex tasks than necessary. Broken teeth may also cause increased sensitivity, pain, or discomfort. One restorative dentistry treatment we often perform is the placement of a dental crown in Bethesda, MD.
About Dental Crowns
The purpose of a dental crown is to restore and protect damaged or weakened teeth. Protecting teeth with this dental restoration will strengthen the tooth and restore comfortable oral function. Many people are dental crown candidates because this restorative treatment has many uses.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is like a cap that covers a damaged tooth. We create crowns that are shaped like natural teeth and fit over the top of a damaged or weak tooth. Your dentist can fabricate several different types including ceramic crowns, porcelain crowns or dental crowns made from a metal. We can color match it to blend in the your surrounding teeth. This common dental restoration will make your tooth stronger and look better. Getting a crown takes two visits to our dental office dentist.
Who Needs a Dental Crown?
Dr. Khanna provides restorative dentistry for seniors and all ages. She works with patients every day to restore their smiles following dental damage. If you have a damaged tooth, you may qualify for a tooth crown. Dr. Khanna will assess the tooth to see if this treatment is the best solution for you.
What are the Most Common Uses for Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns have a variety of potential uses. They can restore a tooth damaged or weakened by many oral health problems. Crowns also have cosmetic benefits. Because dental crowns have many uses, many people are ideal candidates for treatment.
A patient who suffers from any of the following dental problems is likely to be a good candidate for dental crown treatment:
- Advanced stages of tooth decay
- Moderate to severe tooth erosion
- A traumatic oral injury
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- A root canal infection
- A misshaped tooth
- Difficulty or pain performing oral functions
- Severe tooth discoloration or other cosmetic blemishes on the tooth
People who suffer from any of the above conditions on one or more teeth are likely good candidates for dental crown treatment. However, Dr. Khanna must conduct an oral exam to accurately determine candidacy.
During the dental exam, we will inspect the condition of your teeth and gums. We can then suggest the best restorative treatment option that best suits your unique situation.
Treatment for a Dental Crown in Bethesda, MD
For those who are candidates for dental crown treatment, the procedure is fairly simple. Using a local anesthetic, Dr. Khanna can ensure that the procedure is completely comfortable. To begin treatment, Dr. Khanna will prepare the tooth for applying the dental crown.
This will involve reshaping the tooth and removing any damaged or infected tooth enamel. Molds will then be taken of the tooth so that a dental crown can be personalized to each patient’s specific oral measurements. This will guarantee the most natural and comfortable fit.
A temporary crown will then be placed while the permanent dental crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory. When the final fabrication is complete, it will be tested for fit and then cemented into place with a dental bonding material.
Alternate Treatments to Dental Crowns
While dental crowns are appropriate in a number of cases, not all patients are candidates for treatment. If Dr. Khanna does not believe that a dental crown is the best treatment, alternate options will be discussed. Other restorative treatment options that may be considered are inlays and onlays, dental bridges, and dental implants.
Dental Crown FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding dental crowns.
Do I need a dental crown?
Dentists use dental crowns to restore severely damaged teeth. If you have a big crack or chip on your tooth, you may benefit from receiving a dental crown. Additionally, patients who undergo root canals will likely need a dental crown to restore the functionality of the affected tooth.
What should I expect during the dental crown procedure?
To begin the dental crown procedure, we will thoroughly numb the area around the tooth. Once numb, your dentist will shave down the tooth to a foundational core that will support the crown. Then, they will place temporary crown over the foundational core to protect the dentin while we wait for the dental lab to create your permanent dental crown. After a few weeks, we will call you back to our office and place your tooth crown over the foundational core using dental cement.
How long will my dental crown last?
Many patients will enjoy their dental crowns for several years. On average, patients enjoy about ten years with their dental crowns before needing a replacement.
How do I care for my dental crown?
You can maintain the health of your dental crown with standard oral hygiene routines and preventative care appointments with your dentist. You must brush and floss around the crown just like you would a natural tooth.
Can I get cavities in my dental crown?
The material of a dental crown itself can’t decay or develop an infection. But it’s important to remember that you still have natural tooth structure under the dental crown. If your dentist does not apply the crown properly, food and debris can get under it, impacting the tooth structure underneath. It’s especially crucial that you’re brushing and flossing thoroughly. If you notice your crown is loose or doesn’t seem to fit correctly, call us to schedule a checkup.
What should and shouldn’t I do after getting a dental crown?
Though the cement cures quickly, wait for about an hour before you eat anything. You want to ensure the cement cures properly, and nothing shifts around. For sticky and chewy foods, wait for 24-36 hours to eat any of those. They’re the types of food most likely to dislodge your crown. Be careful with anything you eat in this period.
What is the difference between a dental crown and filing?
A dental crown and a filling are both ways to fix teeth, but they do it in different ways. A filling is used when a tooth has small holes or decay (cavities). The filling material will fill-in the empty space with a special material. A dental crown, on the other hand, acts like a cover, encasing the whole tooth. Dr. Khanna will place it over a tooth that has severe damage, decay, or is weak. We use tooth crowns when a tooth needs more protection than a filling can provide.
Can a dental crown cause sensitivity or discomfort?
Yes, a dental crown can sometimes cause sensitivity or discomfort. Right after getting the crown, your teeth might feel sore or sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. Dr. Khanna will explain how this happens and how to prepare. It is normal for a tooth to need time to adjust to the new crown. Most of the time, these feelings go away after a few days. However, if they do not, please contact us right away.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today for a Dental Crown in Bethesda, MD
If you have a tooth that appears to be damaged or weakened and you believe that a dental crown may be right for you, schedule a dental exam with Dr. Khanna at your earliest convenience. Call us at 301-500-2205 or request an appointment online today. Dr. Khanna will be happy to recommend a treatment that will restore the health and beauty of your smile.