Do you need to treat a damaged or worn tooth? As a restorative dentist, Dr. Paul Bowersox can provide a durable and natural-looking dental crown in Westminster, MD. A dental crown can restore your tooth to its natural strength, beauty, and function. This restorative dentistry treatment can closely match the composition of your natural tooth structure.
Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that will help restore the function and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth. It is a hollow tooth cap that will completely encase a prepared tooth. Dental crowns help strengthen the teeth to prevent further damage. It is a common treatment that dentists use for many dental problems including:
- Large Cavities: A dental filling may not be enough to treat a tooth with a large cavity or decay. In this case, the dentist would use a dental crown to provide full coverage to protect the remaining tooth structure.
- Cracks or Fractures: Teeth with large cracks or fractures are weak and may suffer from further damage. A dental crown will restore their strength to prevent this.
- Root Canal Therapy: A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may need a crown to provide additional support and protection to the weakened tooth structure.
- Cosmetic Purposes: Dentists can also use dental crowns to improve the appearance of a discolored, misshapen, or damaged tooth.
The Dental Crown Process in Westminster, MD
The process to get a dental crown will take one or two visits. For patients that qualify, Dr. Bowersox offers same day dental crowns. At the first visit, he will begin by numbing the area around the tooth with an anesthetic. He will then remove any signs of decay and reduce the size of the tooth to make room for the crown.
We will take several impressions of your teeth. These are necessary to create molds that are used to make the permanent dental crown. Also, if you require a temporary crown, we will take impressions for that. Dr. Bowersox will secure the temporary crown to protect the tooth while you wait for the permanent one to ready.
If you are getting a same day dental crown, there is no need for a temporary crown. Once we get your impressions, you will simply wait for your crown to be made. Once ready, Dr. Bowersox will check to make sure it fits and blends in naturally with your surrounding teeth then he will secure it in place.
Once your permanent crown is ready, you will return for the second appointment. We will remove the temporary crown, check your new one for fit, color, and comfort, and make adjustments if necessary. Dr. Bowersox will cement the crown in place
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns are a very important dental treatment that will improve your oral health and functionality. We encourage our patients to take the time to learn more about them. We are here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about the tooth crowns and the procedure. Please read through our frequently asked questions section about dental crown treatment in Westminster, MD:
Am I a candidate for a dental crown?
You’re a good candidate for a dental crown if you have:
- A tooth that is broken, cracked, or very worn down
- A cavity that is too big for a filling
- A tooth that had a root canal and needs protection
- A discolored or oddly shaped tooth you want to fix
- A dental implant or bridge that needs a crown on top
But you might not be a good candidate if:
- The tooth is too damaged or decayed to save
- There isn’t enough tooth left to hold a crown
- You have gum disease or poor oral health
- You don’t have enough bone or support in the area
Dr. Bowersox will take X-rays and examine your mouth to see if a crown is right for you. He can recommend other treatments if you need cosmetic or restorative care.
What are the benefits of same-day crowns?
With traditional crowns, your dentist will file your tooth down to its foundational core and then top it with a temporary crown. The temporary crown can fall off, exposing your dentin which can cause sensitivity and discomfort. With same-day crowns, we eliminate the need for a temporary crown as well as an additional trip to our office. Instead, you get to leave our office with a completely restored tooth.
How long after getting crowns can you eat?
We recommend waiting at least an hour to eat after a crown placement. Most dentists advise patients to avoid consuming anything other than water for at least a few hours after getting a crown to avoid any damage.
Will a dental crown blend in with the rest of my smile?
Yes. Our dental crowns will blend in with the rest of your smile. The tooth-colored ceramic material shines and reflects light similarly to your natural tooth’s aesthetics. No one should be able to tell that your tooth is a dental crown unless you tell them so.
What is the difference between a dental crown and a dental implant?
A dental implant is a complete tooth replacement. This means that your dentist must first extract your tooth before they can replace it. Additionally, a dental implant requires a surgical procedure to replace and restore your missing tooth. Dental crowns are for patients who have a tooth that is salvageable.
We do not like to remove a permanent tooth if at all possible, so dental crowns are a great way to avoid doing that. Instead of extracting the broken tooth, we shave it down to its foundational core and replace its exterior with a newly improved ceramic topper.
How should I care for my dental crown?
You can care for your dental crown by brushing and flossing it as you would your natural tooth. It’s important to know that dental crowns do not respond to professional teeth whitening treatments, so if you use a bleaching product on your surrounding teeth, the dental crown will remain the same color. With good oral hygiene habits and regularly schedule preventative care appointments, your dental crown can last up to 15 years and sometimes longer.
How long does a crown stay in place?
The lifespan of a crown depends on where it is in the mouth. Some crowns may break and require replacement after a shorter period of time if they are not taken care of. If you take good care of your crown and practice good oral hygiene, you should expect it to endure anywhere from 10 to 30 years of use.
What to avoid after getting a crown?
Avoid hard candies like caramel, toffee, and raisins, as they may cause your crown to snag. In addition, avoid foods that are firm or crunchy, like celery sticks, carrots, almonds, popcorn, etc. These could damage or dislodge the crown. You should avoid these foods for at least 24 hours after your crown placement.
Schedule a Dental Crown Consultation
Dental crowns are an effective dental treatment that dentists use for many reasons. If you need a dental crown in Westminster, MD, request an appointment with Dr. Bowersox by filling out the online appointment request form.