Crowns

Enamel, the hard substance that covers your teeth and acts as a protective barrier, may seem indestructible, but it isn’t. If the enamel on your teeth becomes so damaged that it can no longer protect your teeth or weakens them, our dentists at Pike & Valega, DDS may recommend you get a dental crown.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a type of dental restoration. It is custom-made, so it covers the exposed portion of the tooth that is above the gum. By fully covering the exposed portion of the tooth, a dental crown strengthens and reshapes a tooth by replacing the damaged or weakened enamel.

Dental crowns can be made out of porcelain, metal or a combination of materials. They are uniquely designed to look and feel like your natural teeth.

A special dental cement is used to bond the crown into place.

When Does a Tooth Need a Dental Crown?

Enamel is unable to naturally repair itself if it becomes damaged. Even dentists do not have a way to repair broken enamel. If it becomes cracked, chipped, severely weakened or eroded, the damage is permanent. The only option available is to replace the enamel, such as by placing a crown over the existing tooth.

Dental crowns are often recommended for situations where the tooth’s enamel is damaged, but the rest of the tooth, such as the roots and pulp, remain healthy and strong.

Some of the reasons why a dental crown may be recommended include:

• Large cavities where the damage is so severe that the tooth cannot support the use of a filling
• Replacement of large fillings – A large filling may have been used to restore a tooth, but over time the tooth may weaken, or the filling may need to be replaced.
• Acid erosion caused by certain health conditions, such as GERD and acid reflux, and/or consuming large amounts of sugary treats and acid foods/beverages
• Teeth clenching or grinding
• Part of a root canal treatment – Our dentist, Dr. D. Timothy Pike, has extensive experience in performing root canals.
• Injury

Dental Crowns Last a Long Time With Good Oral Hygiene and Regular Dental Exams

With good oral hygiene and regular dental exams, a dental crown can last a number of years without needing to be replaced.

Daily brushing and flossing will prevent tooth decay from developing, which can wear away at the dental cement that holds the crown in place. Routine dental exams will allow your dentist to inspect your crown and ensure it is properly functioning and not damaged. If any problems are spotted, you may be able to correct them before they become too severe or cause other problems to occur.

Getting a Dental Crown Requires Two Office Visits

At the first office visit, our dentists prepare the tooth for the placement of the crown. Our dentists will remove any tooth decay and bacteria present and then shape the outer portion of the tooth so the crown will fit comfortably in the mouth. A local anesthetic is used to make sure you are comfortable during your visit.

Once the tooth has been shaped and prepped for a crown, impressions will need to be taken. The impressions give the lab a replica of your tooth to create your customized dental crown.

Before leaving your first visit, a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth. The temporary crown protects the tooth and acts as a space filler until the permanent crown can be placed.

Your second visit will occur when our office receives your permanent crown from the laboratory. This typically takes approximately two weeks but can be shorter.

At the second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed. Any dental cement used to hold the temporary crown in place will be removed, and the tooth will be cleaned in preparation for the crown.

The dental crown is then placed on the tooth. Our dentists will carefully inspect the crown to ensure it fits properly. Occasionally, we may take X-rays or other types of imaging to verify that the dental crown fits properly. Our dentists can adjust your dental crown to fit properly and comfortably in the mouth.

Once it is determined the crown fits properly, a permanent dental cement will be used to secure the crown in place.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation To Discuss Dental Crowns at Our Poolesville or Rockville Dental Office

Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss dental crowns and explore your treatment options. Our dentists understand that every patient has unique clinical needs and will help you explore your treatment options. If you are not a good candidate for dental crowns, we can discuss other treatment options that will help you improve your smile.