Dental crowns are a great restorative dental treatment for patients with worn and damaged teeth. Crowns can also cap dental implants to create a functional, natural-looking restoration. If you’re interested in dental crowns and want to learn more, read the answers to FAQs about dental crowns. We welcome our patients to discover more information about restorative care with dental crowns in our Cockeysville, MD, dental office.
Dental Crowns in Cockeysville, MD
Read answers to commonly asked questions about dental crowns to learn more.
Do I need a porcelain crown or a metal crown?
We recommend modern porcelain dental crowns over metal crowns. Traditional metal crowns benefit patients with damaged molars by adding strength to the back teeth. Metal crowns have some corrosion risks, and they don’t blend in with teeth. This is why we recommend porcelain crowns.
How long do dental crowns last?
With the right care, tooth crowns can last 15 to 30 years. Make sure that you brush and floss your natural teeth and dental crowns daily. Don’t use toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients like charcoal or baking soda. Additionally, you can brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently brushing and flossing benefits not only your natural teeth but your crowns as well. Brushing crowns also
Am I a candidate for dental crowns?
The best candidates for dental crown treatment only have cosmetic dental issues. We don’t recommend crowns if patients have bite disorders like TMD, which can damage the crowns. Additionally, crowns aren’t ideal for patients who have signs of gum disease or tooth decay. We will need to address any outstanding dental problems before we provide patients with restorations like dental crowns.
Patients with smaller areas of damage benefit more from veneers or dental bonding treatment. We may recommend a dental crown if patients have large chips, cracks, and fractures in their enamel.
How long does it take to get used to dental crowns?
It can take two weeks for dental crowns to settle. After that time, patients will notice that their crowns will function and feel like natural teeth. Patients will also find it simpler to eat harder or chewier foods after they get used to their crowns.
Is a dental crown a dental cap?
Yes, a tooth crown and cap are the same things. Dental crowns fully cover teeth and protect them from further damage. Crowns can also create a more balanced smile for patients with tooth wear.
Can dental crowns get infected?
While crowns themselves can’t get infections or cavities, the teeth beneath crowns can be affected if the crown is loose. We ask patients to contact our office as soon as they notice a change in their dental crowns. Loose crowns can leave teeth prone to infection or decay if bacteria can accumulate beneath the crown.
What’s the difference between same-day crowns and traditional crowns?
Same-day crowns and traditional crowns both fix damaged teeth, but they’re made differently. Same-day crowns are designed and created right in the dental office using computer technology, so you get your permanent crown in just one visit. Traditional crowns take two visits – the first to prepare your tooth and place a temporary crown, and the second to cement the permanent crown made by a dental lab.
While same-day crowns are more convenient, lab-made traditional crowns sometimes look slightly more natural, especially for front teeth. Same-day crowns work great for back teeth where appearance matters less. Both types are strong and made from high-quality materials. Your dentist can help you decide which option is better for your specific tooth.
Will people notice my crown?
Today’s crowns look incredibly natural. Your dentist will carefully match the color to your other teeth, looking at how light passes through them and how shiny they are. For front teeth, we use special layered porcelain that copies the slight color changes of real teeth. We also shape where the crown meets your gum so it looks completely natural. While nothing is 100% perfect, most people won’t be able to tell which tooth has a crown.
How should I care for my crowned tooth?
You should care for a crowned tooth just like your natural teeth – brush twice daily with gentle toothpaste and floss carefully around it. A water flosser can help clean around crowns even better. Don’t chew on really hard things like ice cubes that could crack the porcelain. If you grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard to protect your crown.
Come in for cleanings every six months so we can check how your crown is doing. Most crowns last many years with good care. If you notice any changes like sensitivity, pain when biting, or gum irritation near the crown, give us a call right away.
Does getting a crown hurt?
You shouldn’t feel pain during the crown procedure. We completely numb the area first, so you’ll only feel some pressure while we work. Some patients have slight sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days afterward, but this usually goes away quickly. If you need a root canal before the crown, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable for that too.
For nervous patients, we have relaxation options available. After your new crown is placed, you can manage any discomfort with regular pain medicine from the store.
What if my crown gets damaged?
We can fix small chips in crowns right in our office with polishing or tooth-colored filling material. But if there’s major damage, you’ll probably need a whole new crown to properly protect your tooth. Sometimes a crown comes loose but isn’t broken. In these cases, we might be able to reattach it if the tooth underneath is still healthy.
We’ll carefully check any damaged crowns to decide whether to repair or replace them. Regular dental visits help us spot crown problems early before they cause bigger issues with your tooth.
Are you interested in dental crown treatment? Schedule your next dental visit at Valley Dental Health in Hunt Valley, MD. You can also call our office for a dental crown consultation today at 443-733-6613.