Your smile is a “hello” to the world. If you have damaged, decayed, discolored or misaligned teeth, you may not feel like smiling. A dental crown offers an option to restore your smile permanently. There are many advantages to dental crowns, but you also need to understand if this restorative procedure is right for you. Dr. Javod Gol at Precision Dentistry in Columbia, MD offers comprehensive dental care including cosmetic and restorative procedures like dental implants, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, Invisalign®, and dental crowns.
Dental crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that cover cracked, decayed, discolored or slightly misaligned teeth. They are usually made of hard materials like porcelain or ceramic and can be designed to match the same shape and color as your natural teeth. Dental crowns can also be made with other materials such as resin, stainless steel, and metals like gold.
Crowns are also used to restore dental implants, another procedure that can help replace missing teeth. If you are missing more than one tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge to fill the gap.
A dental crown can be used to improve your oral health and cover a number of cosmetic flaws in your tooth. These restorations can:
Another advantage is that crowns are durable and strong, so they last a long time. Most people can go 5-15 years before needing further work done.
The dental crown procedure can typically be completed in two appointments. During the first visit, x-rays of your mouth will be taken in order to get a clear picture of both the tooth and the surrounding bone. If there is an infection or tooth decay, you may need to have a root canal.
Next, the dentist will reduce the size of the damaged tooth. Once that has been done, an impression will be taken in order to create a precise mold of your mouth. A porcelain or ceramic dental crown is made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Most people have to wear a temporary crown or bridge while the permanent one is being made. Once the crown is ready, it will be placed over what remains of your tooth and cemented in place.
Like any procedure, there are some disadvantages to dental crowns. First, the dentist has to permanently file down and reshape the affected teeth. While the materials used to make crowns are strong and durable, they can still crack over time. Small cracks can sometimes be repaired, but if there are multiple chips or breaks, your restoration may need to be replaced. If the dental cement used to hold a crown in place softens or washes away, it can allow bacteria to grow under the crown. Poorly fitted crowns become loose and even fall out. Finally, some patients find they become more sensitive to cold and hot temperatures after receiving a dental crown, although using toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth usually solves this problem.
If you are unhappy with a damaged or discolored tooth – or you have an old or broken restoration – a dental crown may be the right choice to restore your tooth and regain a perfect smile. A consultation with Dr. Gol can help you decide the right treatment option. If you live in the Columbia, MD area and are looking for restorative or cosmetic dentistry, contact Precision Dentistry at (410) 884-0262 today or go online to schedule an appointment.
