Dental crowns in Aspen Hill have come a long way. In the past, protecting weakened teeth required using traditional amalgam, leaving you with a gleaming spotlight that shined brightly when smiling, speaking, or eating. Now, you can opt for a restoration that is color-matched and blends in with the rest of your smile. Offering greater durability, protection, and a more pleasing appearance, the dental crowns used at the Dental Center of Aspen Hill can give you the help you need without compromising your aesthetics. Contact our office to find out more about these beneficial restorations.
It is believed that dental crowns have been around since 200 A.D. While early civilizations used everything from gold, ivory, bone, and human and animal teeth, the good news is these dental restorations have evolved and are now created using traditional amalgam (i.e. gold or silver) or ceramic.
Also referred to as “caps,” dental crowns fit over a severely decayed or damaged tooth as a way to protect and shield it from further harm or reinfection.
When arriving at our office to inquire whether you are eligible for a dental crown, our team of professionals will first need to examine your smile. If you are experiencing any of the following situations, there is a good chance you will be a likely candidate for a dental crown:
The process begins with an initial examination by your dentist. During this visit, we will use an intraoral camera to look closely at your teeth and project these images onto a nearby screen. This will allow us to go over the problem tooth and recommend the right method of treatment.
Once you arrive to have your tooth cleaned and filled, we will start by administering a numbing agent to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. We will then begin to clean out the decayed areas of your tooth before filling it with a composite resin that provides a tight seal and prevents any bacteria from re-entering the tooth. Next, we will “prep” the tooth by filing it down and making sure it is ready for your dental crown.
Using a digital impression system, we will capture a high-resolution image that ensures greater accuracy when lab technicians begin to craft your custom crown. While you wait to receive your permanent restoration, you will receive a temporary crown to wear in the meantime. Once your final prosthetic is ready, you will return to have your temporary removed and your permanent one cemented into place.
Dental crowns have been used for generations to repair damaged teeth. They offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative benefits; however, they are attributed with a hefty price tag. Many factors affect the cost of dental crowns in Aspen Hill, but we strive to keep them affordable for everyone. Your dentist at Dental Center in Aspen Hill will create a personalized plan that fits your budget, so nothing stands in the way of a healthy, beautiful smile.
If you chose to restore your smile with a porcelain dental crown, you can expect durable and beautiful results. This high-quality material is well-known for how well it mimics the appearance of healthy tooth enamel. Dental porcelain is also reliably strong and resistant to stains. What’s more, it will be shaded to match the color of the rest of your teeth, so it should blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Since a dental crown fits over the entire visible portion of your tooth, we’ll likely need to make room for it. We’ll prepare the tooth by cleaning out any decayed tissue and removing a small amount of enamel. While this may sound daunting at first, there’s no need to worry. We use a professional-grade local anesthetic to ensure that area of your mouth is entirely numb during your procedure. You may experience some mild tooth sensitivity for a day or two after your treatment, but it should be easy to manage and short-lived.
Your dental crown itself won’t be able to develop a cavity, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene! If plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up on your gums and along the rim of your dental crown, they could potentially slip under its edge and get to the vulnerable tooth underneath. Remember, since this tooth had some enamel removed, it’s especially prone to the damage and infection these harmful particles can cause. Thankfully, you can easily keep your smile safe and healthy with a few simple habits! Just remember to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash daily.
Thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and reliable materials, dental crowns last for an average of about 15 years. However, how you take care of your restoration will ultimately determine how long it lasts. For example, some bad habits can dramatically weaken your dental crown or cause it to break. On the other hand, you can make the most of your dental crown and possibly even extend its lifespan by:
Remember, teeth can’t heal themselves, so it’s important not to put off getting a dental crown if you need one. To learn more or schedule your next appointment, give us a call today!
The only way to know for sure whether your crown needs to be replaced is to visit our office for an exam and X-rays. Our dentists are trained to spot this sort of thing, and will be able to tell you how your crown’s holding up. There are, however, some symptoms that can indicate a crown is approaching the end of its lifespan. For example:
Let us know if you suspect it’s time for a crown replacement, and we’ll take care of your smile as soon as possible.
When placed by a qualified professional like our dentists here at Dental Center of Aspen Hill, crowns are absolutely safe. In fact, a dental crown will help protect your tooth from further damage and infection.
You may also like to know that the FDA considers metal amalgam crowns and fillings to be safe for dental use. The mercury content in these amalgams is low enough to not pose a risk to your health – unless you’re allergic! If you experience any irritation, redness, or swelling around your crown, call us right away.
We recommend a dental crown treatment when a tooth is excessively weak due to decay or damage. Since its structural integrity is compromised, everyday activities such as chewing can cause more damage or expose your tooth to more bacteria. Eventually, the tooth could break, fall out, or require a root canal or extraction. Basically, waiting to schedule a dental crown treatment could very well result in more costly complications that you’re better off avoiding!
Not necessarily. Your oral health won’t be in immediate danger as it would with a cavity or gum disease, but your exposed tooth will be more vulnerable until the crown is replaced. We recommend calling us as soon as you notice that your crown is missing so we can book you for a timely appointment.
In the meantime, it’s best to avoid chewing with your crown-less tooth and to be very careful when brushing and flossing.
