Dental crowns are one of the most useful restorative treatment options available to patients today with both restorative and cosmetic applications. The many advances in materials and technology have improved the dental crown. Thus allowing for greater customization, superior durability, and same-day placement using CAD/CAM.
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy offer all types of dental crowns near you. We can use in-office CEREC technology for the same-day placement of a custom-fit crown!
We may recommend the placement of a dental crown for a wide range of concerns:
- Tooth damage: Crowns prevent further deterioration and infection. A dental crown repairs a decayed, chipped, cracked or broken tooth. Our dentist can place them on the back or front teeth.
- Cosmetic concerns: A dental crown can change the color, shape, and overall appearance of a tooth.
- Post root canal treatment: Have you had a root canal recently? Chances are that the dentist used a crown to strengthen the tooth after a root canal.
- Dental implant restoration: A dental crown is the final piece of an implant for a single missing tooth.
CEREC: Same-day Dental Crowns in Silver Spring
Advanced CAD/CAM technology gives Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy the ability to place a custom, high-quality ceramic dental crown during a single visit. CEREC uses digital technology to transform your dental impressions into a porcelain crown using an in-office milling machine. This method is convenient and cost-saving for all.
Patients appreciate the ease of the process. The CAD/CAM technology provides an accurate result from your precise specifications. CEREC is often the perfect solution for unexpected tooth trauma, a broken crown, and other cases where immediate placement will promptly restore your dental health.
Patient Case Study
“Two weeks ago my son was attacked by a group of maniacs. He suffered trauma to his mouth fracturing teeth #8, #9. After doing some research I chose Dechter & Moy Dentistry. Their kindness and customer service were fantastic from the front office to the operatory.
“They have state-of-the-art dental equipment allowing my son to leave with two beautiful permanent crowns in one visit, eliminating the need for a second temporary replacement visit. My son and I are so so pleased he scheduled an appointment for a cleaning.”
What to Expect: The Dental Crown Process
The dental crown process will depend on the type of crown, the location of the affected tooth, and whether we are using CEREC technology. In all cases, we will evaluate your dental health and recommend the most suitable material and treatment option for your unique needs.
The integrity of your result is the goal of your treatment. The type of crown recommended will be dependent on the severity of your dental concern, the location of the tooth, and your cosmetic goals.
A traditional dental crown will require a couple of visits to place, starting with tooth preparation and dental impressions. Our dentist will send the impressions to a lab along with the specifications for your crown.
Our dentist will place a temporary crown while you wait for the final custom crown to arrive from the lab. This is often in our office within a couple of weeks and you can return for the placement and fitting. Our dentist will place the new crown on the prepared tooth, adjust as needed for a comfortable bite, and permanently secure it to the tooth.
If we are using CEREC technology to create your new crown, we will begin by preparing the tooth and take digital impressions. We will upload the images taken to our computer software. Then, we plan the design and milling of your crown while you wait.
Our dentist will make any necessary adjustments for fit and comfort once the crown is complete. Our dentist will permanently attach the crown to restore your smile without the need for a temporary crown or a return visit! We will also make sure to give you instructions on how to take care of your new crown.
Dental Crowns Maintenance
Take special care of your new crown during the first couple of days following your dental crown procedure. First avoid very hard and sticky foods for the first 48 hours. This will help the dental cement and crown settle in without any issues. Hard and sticky foods can damage and loosen the crown before it permanently settles on your tooth. This also leads to the next point, crowns are not unbreakable.
Pay attention to what you eat and use your teeth for if you have a dental crown or two. Do not chew on ice with a crown, or use your teeth to open things. Dental crowns are as tough as real tooth enamel, so be gentile when chewing on certain foods like nuts, popcorn, carrots, and jerky.
Cleaning your dental crown is the same as cleaning your real teeth. Continue following your oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. However, pay special attention to the gum line around your dental crown when flossing.
Dental Crown FAQs
Why do I need a dental crown?
You may need one to restore your oral health. Dentists use them to treat weak, decaying, and worn-down teeth. They can also anchor a dental bridge, and act as a cap for dental implants. Dental crowns are so versatile that your dentist may use one in restorative dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry.
What is a dental crown made of?
A dental crown can be made from a variety of materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, acrylic, and gold. Typically, your dentist will use a metal crown on the molars. Our dentist will use a dental cement to hold the crown in place. This is a semi-permanent treatment for a damaged tooth.
How long do dental crowns last?
A dental crown’s lifespan is typically around 5 – 15 years depending on a patient’s oral care. If a patient takes good care of their crown and regularly brushes and flosses their teeth, their crown is much more likely to have a longer lifespan. A patient’s diet can also affect the life of dental crowns. If you eat a lot of sticky or problematic foods, the life of your crown may lean closer to 5 years before it starts causing problems.
Do crowns break overtime?
Over time crowns may crack or break off. They are very strong and durable, but they are not as strong as a natural tooth. Our dentist can repair a crack in your crown. However, if it is broke the dentist may need to replace it.
How much tooth is needed for a crown?
A dental crown is a great option if more than half of the tooth has damage. Our dentist can place it with as little as a quarter of healthy teeth remaining. The crown will sit right at the gum line.