Dr. Denise Halliburton provides dental crowns for patients in her Ellicott City, MD dental office. Tooth crowns are a restorative dentistry treatment used for patients with worn, stained, broken, and damaged teeth. They are also used to cover dental implants. Our dental crowns are made of porcelain ceramic, meaning they look and feel like natural teeth. This also means that they can add durability and strength to particularly weakened or worn teeth.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a really versatile dental restoration. Not only are they used for restorative dentistry, but they can take care of cosmetic concerns as well. Some tooth discolorations don’t respond to professional teeth whitening. Misshapen teeth can impact both the look and function of your bite. A dental crown completely covers the tooth and is any shade of white that you desire. It’s a great choice for both of these cosmetic issues.
Crowns are a top choice to stabilize a tooth. One of the most common uses for crowns is to fortify a tooth after a root canal. Though the empty space in the middle of the tooth is filled and sealed, you may not have full function. A crown provides an extra seal against further infection and gives you back the tooth’s full function. It can also help severely broken or infected teeth return to full function and avoid tooth extraction.
Crowns are also a common choice to complete a dental implant or help support a dental bridge. They go over natural teeth, taking on the stress of being anchor teeth for the bridge. Since they’re a custom restoration, they’re also made to exact specifications to top a dental implant. They look and feel the most natural.
Dental Crown Treatment
We prepare teeth for dental crowns by etching into the tooth enamel. This creates a good surface for the crown so it can fit properly when completed. Then, we take dental impressions of the teeth that require the crowns. These impressions are sent to a dental lab for fabrication. Once your permanent crown is complete, we will attach it to ensure it feels comfortable in your mouth.
Following your dental crown treatment, avoid hard and chewy foods. Stay away from beverages like coffee, tea, or wine that can stain the crown. Dental crowns can be brushed and flossed regularly, like natural teeth. We recommend that patients continue to schedule regular visits to our office so we can ensure the health of their crowns and natural teeth.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
Similar to both dental crowns and fillings, inlays and onlays are used to cover a smaller area of tooth damage. Onlays cover the tooth cusps or sides. Inlays fill in the chewing surface of the tooth between the cusps. These options are indirect restorations used to treat tooth damage and prevent cavities.
Dental Crown FAQs
Learn more about dental crown treatment here:
Is the dental crown treatment painful?
Our team wants to ensure that every patient feels as comfortable as possible. Patients will feel mild pain and sensitivity following their treatment. However, these symptoms generally subside within 1 to 3 days of treatment with prescribed pain medication.
What do I do if I have a broken dental crown?
Please contact our dental office as soon as possible for an appointment. Our office sees dental emergency patients for immediate treatment. Do not try to reattach your broken crown, as this can damage the tooth or implant abutment underneath. Let our professional dentists provide you with a new crown.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns are permanent restorations that last as long as patients properly take care of them. Patients can brush and floss between their dental crowns to ensure that the surrounding teeth and gums stay healthy. Scheduling regular dental appointments allows our team to track your crown’s health.
Receive Dental Crowns Today
Do you want to add durability and strength to worn or weakened teeth? Contact Halliburton Family Dentistry at 443-232-0656 or request a dental consultation with our team on our website. Please let us know if you have any more questions about dental crown treatment. We will be glad to help you.