Whether you need to restore a broken, discolored, or damaged tooth, you can count on your Towson dentists for your oral health needs and aesthetic goals. Osler Dental Professionals offers a wide range of comprehensive dentistry services so you can receive the care you need, including dental crowns in Towson, MD.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a natural tooth, permanently restoring its shape and strength. Dental crowns are custom-made to meet patients' specific needs and aesthetic goals. When cemented into place, dental crowns cover the entire visible part of the tooth, down to the gumline.
What Materials Are Dental Crowns Made From?
Your dentist can make dental crowns from various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, zirconia, metals, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Porcelain dental crowns are one of the leading choices for patients because they're durable and look most like natural teeth. Porcelain is also stain-resistant, so you don't have to worry about your crown collecting yellow or dark discoloration.
We agree with the Journal of the American Dental Association that the selection of your dental crown's material depends on the following factors:
- The tooth's location
- The tooth's visibility
- The tooth's function
- Position of the gum tissue
- How much of the natural tooth remains
- Color of neighboring teeth
- If the patient has any metal allergies
At Osler Dental Professionals, Dr. Constantine and Dr. Libby are skilled restorative dentists who can ensure your dental crown seamlessly blends in with your smile so it looks and feels natural. We use state-of-the-art dental technologies, including Digital Smile Design and 3-D digital impressions, to make your treatment more accurate and comfortable while delivering outstanding results.
Why Might I Need a Tooth Crown?
Our dental team will evaluate your oral health and help determine if a dental crown is right for you. A dental crown permanently restores a natural tooth or corrects cosmetic imperfections. Ultimately, a dental crown protects the integrity of a natural tooth while improving its appearance.
Here are some of the reasons why you might need a dental crown instead of a dental filling or other treatment:
A Chipped or Broken Tooth
A dental crown can immediately fix a chipped or broken tooth. Once a tooth is damaged or broken, you must receive treatment to prevent injury or infection. A custom-made crown can cover the tooth, restoring its function so you can comfortably and safely chew, speak, and smile without the worry of breakage.
A Severely Decayed Tooth
If you have a severely decayed tooth, it can affect neighboring teeth. A dental crown can cap the tooth after we remove the decay and prevent the spread of bacteria to other areas of your smile.
A Large Dental Filling
Sometimes, previous dental fillings are too large and thus unstable. In this case, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to replace the filling and provide more strength for the tooth.
A Tooth Treated with Root Canal Therapy
If you have a root canal, the natural tooth is too weak to stand on its own. That's why we use dental crowns to cover root-canaled teeth. A dental crown protects the tooth and prevents it from breaking, crumbling, or being too brittle.
Other reasons to get a dental crown are:
- Anchoring a dental bridge
- Covering a discolored or stained tooth
- Balancing an uneven bite
- Topping a dental implant
- Concealing a misshapen tooth
Our dental team enjoys helping patients discover their healthiest, most attractive smiles, and dental crowns can help us accomplish this!
What's Involved in the Dental Crown Treatment?
The dental crown treatment process usually requires two appointments. Here's what to expect at Osler Dental Professionals:
- Your dentist examines and prepares the tooth, takes digital x-rays, and makes a digital impression of your mouth.
- To ensure the dental crown has a precise fit, we gently remove the tooth's outer layers. This process is quick and painless.
- Using advanced dental technology, we make an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth.
- We place a temporary crown until the final one is ready.
- We send the impression to our highly trained dental lab partners who create your customized crown. It may take a couple of weeks to complete.
- When your dental crown is back from the lab, you return to our dental office so we can cement the crown in place.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last between 10–15 years, sometimes longer. If well cared for, dental crowns can even last a lifetime. You can extend the longevity of a dental crown by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for routine dental exams and cleanings.
How Do I Care for My Dental Crown?
Caring for a dental crown is easy because it's like caring for your natural teeth.
Here are some tips from our team and the American Dental Association for how to best care for your dental crown:
- Brush your teeth twice daily. Don't scrub too hard or vigorously, and use the best toothpaste for your smile. For instance, if you have sensitive teeth, your dentist can give you recommendations.
- Floss once daily to remove debris and plaque and reduce the risk of gum disease.
- Don't use your teeth as tools to open packages or untwist bottle caps.
- Avoid consuming hard foods that can crack your crown.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep.
- Visit your dentist for routine dental exams and cleanings.
Your dentist can give you more detailed information and tips on the best care for your teeth and gums.
Contact Us for Dental Crowns in Towson, MD
Do you have a cracked, broken, or weak tooth? Please contact Osler Dental Professionals today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Constantine or Dr. Libby.