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 not as functional as it used to be. This can make speaking and chewing far more difficult than it needs to be. Broken teeth may also cause increased sensitivity, pain, or discomfort. One restorative treatment that is commonly performed is the placement of dental crowns.
Dental Crowns in Bethesda, MD
Dental crowns restore and protect weak, damaged teeth in order to strengthen the tooth and restore comfortable oral function. Many of our patients are dental crown candidates because this restorative treatment has such a wide range of applications.
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 an extensively damaged tooth, please come and visit our office so that we can restore the look, feel, and function of your natural tooth using a dental crown. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding dental crowns.
Uses for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns have a variety of potential uses. They can restore a tooth that has been damaged or weakened by a number of oral health problems. They also have cosmetic benefits. Because dental crowns have so many uses, many patients 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
While patients who suffer from any of the above conditions on one or more of the teeth are likely good candidates for dental crowns treatment, the only way to accurately determine candidacy is through a dental exam with an experienced dentist such as Dr. Khanna.
During the dental exam, we will examine the condition of both the teeth and gums in order to recommend the most appropriate restorative treatment option for each patient’s unique situation.
Dental Crowns Treatment
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
Do I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are used 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?
During the dental crown procedure, the affected area will be thoroughly numbed. Once numb, your tooth will be shaved down to a foundational core that will support the crown. A temporary crown will be placed over the foundational core to protect your exposed dentin while we wait for your dental crown to be created in our labs. After a few weeks, we will call you back to our office and place your dental 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?
Your dental crown’s health can be maintained with standard oral hygiene routines and preventative care appointments with your dentist. The crown can be brushed and flossed just as a natural tooth is.
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 crown is not applied 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.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
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.