When you experience dental damage or decay, you need to know who to call who can help you restore your smile quickly and effectively. At Dental Excellence, we provide custom dental crowns in Towson, MD for patients to repair decayed, broken or failing teeth.
A dental crown is a prosthetic cap that sits on top of the foundational core of your natural tooth. Your dentist will have to remove a significant amount of enamel to make space for the prosthetic tooth. However, the dental crown procedure allows patients to maintain the tooth-root functionality from their natural tooth. Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson will recommend a crown to avoid the need for a tooth extraction.
Dental Crowns in Towson, MD
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson are both highly trained restorative dentists in Towson, MD. They help our patients restore their smiles after experiencing dental damage or tooth decay. Our dentists can also replace existing ‘less realistic’ or failing crowns with restorations that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. Drs. Ousborne and Esterson may suggest a tooth crown for any of the following situations:
- Weak Tooth: If a tooth has been damaged by deep decay or has a very large filling, it may become weak and easy to break. A dental crown can be placed over the tooth to protect it and keep it from getting worse. It adds strength so you can continue using the tooth without worry.
- Damaged Tooth: If you have a tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or broken from an injury or accident, a crown can help restore it. The crown covers the damaged part of the tooth and brings back its normal shape and function so you can chew and speak comfortably again.
- Restoring a Dental Implant: If you’re missing a tooth, your dentist might place a dental implant. Once it heals, a dental crown is placed on top of the implant to create a natural-looking replacement tooth. This is one of the best ways to replace a single missing tooth.
- Cosmetic Reasons: Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of your teeth. If you have a tooth that’s badly stained, oddly shaped, or uneven, a crown can make it look better. It’s a great way to improve your smile and boost your confidence.
- After a Root Canal: When a tooth gets infected and needs a root canal, it often becomes more fragile afterward. We can protect a weakened tooth after a root canal by placing a crown over the tooth. This helps prevent cracks and adds support so the tooth can last for many more years.
Same-day Crowns with CEREC
Dental Excellence is proud of offer same day dental crowns. Our dental practice is equipped with CEREC dental technology which allows us to create beautiful, high-quality zirconia and glass-ceramic crowns in one visit. CEREC, short for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a computer-aided design and manufacturing system. It uses 3D images and milling technology so that you can get a new dental crown in just one office visit.
When possible, we will offer this option for placing a dental crown. CEREC is often the perfect solution for patients who have a broken crown, need to replace old fillings and want a stable result, or have a damaged tooth.
The Dental Crown Process
Dr. Ousborne or Dr. Esterson will begin the procedure by preparing the tooth. They will give you a local anesthetic so you should not feel pain. The dentist will remove any decayed or damaged portion of the tooth.
The next step in the dental crown process is to get digital impressions of the tooth that needs a crown. Our office uses a special camera to gain these images instead of messy impressions. We will use the digital impressions to make a 3D model of the tooth on the computer. The dentist will use this to create the new, custom crown. It is then milled right here in our dental office while you wait.
Once the crown is ready, the dentist will try it on for fit. They may make adjustments if necessary. Then they will permanently bond the tooth in place. The entire process is done during a single dental appointment saving you time and the need for a temporary crown.
Dental Crown FAQs
Our doctors are happy to answer any questions you might have about the dental crown procedure during your next appointment. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What are the benefits of dental crowns?
Dental crowns provide a very reliable solution to most major dental concerns. They can correct “smile” and functional, chewing, or speaking problems caused by tooth decay or damage. They also prevent cracks from spreading apart and causing pain under biting forces. Crowns offer support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth all while looking completely natural and correcting diastemas/spacing issues. The dentist will often pace the tooth crown after a root canal to strengthen the tooth and support long-term dental health.
How long does the dental crown process last?
Traditional dental crowns generally require at least two office visits. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare your tooth for the dental crown. The dentist will remove a significant amount of enamel to make space for the prosthetic tooth. The dentist will take dental impressions to ensure the restoration will properly meet your needs.
Your dentist will place a temporary crown over your prepared tooth to be worn until your permanent crown returns from our labs. Once your dentist is ready to apply the dental crown, we will call you back in and firmly secure it in your smile with dental cement.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes, you can eat normally with a tooth crown. In fact, dentists use tooth crowns to restore teeth that have damage or are missing, allowing the individual to eat and speak normally. However, you should still avoid biting or chewing on hard foods (like ice or hard candy) as it can cause the crown to become loose or even fall out.
How can I take care of my dental crowns?
Proper care can extend the longevity of your dental crowns while keeping your teeth healthy. You can brush your crowns with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember to floss between your crowns and natural teeth before you brush. Also, visit our dentist every six months. At regular visits, we can ensure your crowns are in good shape.
Can I receive a dental crown in one day?
If your dentist has a CEREC system, they can complete dental crowns and other porcelain restorations in a single appointment. Otherwise, your dentist will send your restorations to an outside laboratory and may require two visits instead of just one.
Schedule An Appointment
Do you need a dental crown? Request an appointment with the experienced dental care professionals in Towson at Dental Excellence. We hope to see you soon.