If you have a cracked, chipped, or damaged tooth, your dentist can use a dental crown to restore it. A dental crown is a ceramic tooth that acts as a protective cap for your damaged tooth. The dental crown keeps the foundational support of a natural tooth while also enjoying the renewed aesthetics of a restored tooth. As your restorative dentist in Westminster, MD, Dr. Bowersox provides same-day dental crowns using CEREC technology.
We create CEREC crowns in one visit. This process does not require the use of a temporary crown, which eliminates potential discomfort. Additionally, CEREC crowns are durable and restore your tooth to its natural strength, beauty, and function. They closely match the composition of your natural tooth structure as well. Using CEREC’s proprietary software, we design your same-day dental crown according to your tooth’s appropriate form and function. Dr. Bowersox will then prepare your affected tooth and firmly secure the restoration.
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding our dental crowns:
Why 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 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.