Dental Crowns Can Give You a Beautiful Smile

Dental crowns restore damaged or decayed teeth, helping countless patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Crowns can be made from various materials and are custom-made to fit each patient’s unique needs. 

At our Havre de Grace, MD dental office with Dr. Grubb, our restorative dentists offer dental crowns to meet your oral health needs. Learn more about dental crowns and discover if this solution is the right fit for your smile by calling (410) 939-5800! We also offer alternatives to dental crowns.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, or caps or tooth crowns, are prosthetic devices placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their function, shape, and appearance. They’re custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, from the gum line to the chewing surface, and are made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials. 

A dental crown can also be used on top of dental implants to replace a missing tooth, to support a dental bridge, or act as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of teeth.

When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?

There are multiple dental issues that a crown can fix. Our Havre de Grace, MD dentist may recommend a dental crown for various reasons, including:

• Protecting a Weak Tooth: If a tooth has been weakened by decay, a large filling, or a root canal, a dental crown can provide additional support and prevent the tooth from breaking.
• Restoring a Broken or Damaged Tooth: A dental crown can be used to restore a tooth that has been broken, cracked, or severely worn down.
• Covering a Dental Implant: After a dental implant is placed, a dental crown is often used to cover the implant and create a natural-looking tooth replacement.
• Supporting a Dental Bridge: A crown can support a dental bridge to replace missing teeth.
• Improving the Appearance of a Tooth: Dental crowns can be used as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or poorly spaced teeth.

Signs You Need Dental Crowns

Some signs that you may need a dental crown include:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• A cracked or chipped tooth
• A large filling that needs to be replaced
• A tooth that has had a root canal
• A tooth that’s misshapen or discolored

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Some of the benefits of dental crowns include:

• Protection: Dental crowns can help protect weak or damaged teeth from further damage or decay.
• Restoration: Dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
• Durability: Dental crowns are strong and durable, and can last many years with proper care.
• Versatility: Dental crowns can be used for several dental problems, from restoring a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.
• Aesthetics: Dental crowns can match the color and shape of your natural tooth, creating a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are various dental crowns, ensuring each patient receives the solution they need to restore their smile. Our Havre de Grace, MD dentist will evaluate your options and recommend the best choice for your dental health.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are made of a tooth-colored material that can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for front teeth. They’re biocompatible and produce a natural, lifelike appearance.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are made of gold, nickel, or other metal alloys. They’re extremely durable can withstand heavy biting forces and last a long time. However, their metallic color makes them less popular for front teeth.

Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)

PFM crowns are made by fusing a metal base with a porcelain coating, providing the strength of the metal and the aesthetics of the porcelain. They can be used for both front and back teeth.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are made of a durable, biocompatible material resistant to chipping and cracking. They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth and are an ideal option for back teeth.

Same-Day Crowns

Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are a type of dental crown that can be fabricated and placed in a single dental visit. This is in contrast to traditional dental crowns, which typically require multiple appointments and temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated in a dental lab.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Consultation and Planning

• The dentist will examine the tooth to determine if it needs a crown or if there are other treatment options.
• X-rays might be taken to check the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone.

First Visit

• Preparation: The dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue using a local anesthetic. The tooth is then reshaped along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth that needs to be removed will depend on the type of crown material.
• Impression: After reshaping, an impression of the tooth is created to ensure a proper fit and bite for the crown. This may be done traditionally using a mold or digitally with intraoral scanners.
• Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is created. It’s generally made from acrylic and is temporarily cemented in place.

Second Visit

• Permanent Crown Fitting: The temporary crown is removed. The dentist will place the new crown on the tooth to check its fit and color. If everything is acceptable, the tooth is cleaned and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.
• Adjustments: Bite adjustments might be made to ensure a proper fit. The dentist may ask you to bite down several times to verify the fit and adjust as necessary.

Aftercare and Follow-up

• It’s not uncommon to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort after the procedure, especially after the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful.
• Oral hygiene is crucial. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups will ensure the longevity of your new crown.
• Avoiding hard foods and not using the crowned tooth as a tool (e.g., to open packages) will help prolong the life of the crown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover if Dental Crowns Are Right for You

Dental crowns are a popular and effective way to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Contact our office today by calling (410) 939-5800 or complete an online contact form so that we can get back to you. We proudly serve patients living near our Havre de Grace practice or in the Havre de Grace Heights, Bayview Estates, and Osborne areas. Learn more about the costs of dental crowns here.