A dental crown is a prosthetic that repairs a damaged or decayed tooth, and strengthens a tooth after a root canal. Our dentists can even use crowns to cap a dental implant. Dental crowns are a permanent dental restoration that supports the stability of your bite and overall oral health. We can treat a range of oral health and cosmetic-related concerns using dental crowns, and provide lasting results.
Our affordable dental crowns consist of high-quality porcelain that reflects light for a natural luster. Our dental practice customizes the shape and color of the porcelain crowns so they blend in with your adjacent teeth.
Rockville, MD dentist Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh has over 23 years of experience providing cosmetic and restorative treatments. Dr. Sarkarzadeh helps patients restore the aesthetics and stability of their mouth using personalized dental care and quality materials.
Treatment with Dental Crowns in Rockville, MD
A dental crown is a highly versatile dental restoration. Our dentists can use them to treat both cosmetic and restorative issues. Dental crowns can:
- Replace a large filling.
- Cover a dental implant.
- Replace a broken tooth or a severely worn down tooth.
- Cover a tooth that has had a root canal.
- Strengthen a weak tooth.
- Improve the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth.
- Top-off teeth in a dental bridge.
Dr. Sarkarzadeh will design the dental crown to meet the cosmetic goals of the individual patient. The treatment process will vary and depend on the oral health and needs of each patient. Dr. Sarkarzadeh will make sure that each patient understands their dental crown treatment before beginning any dental work. We want to fully inform and prepare you before any treatment begins so that you are confident in our work.
The Dental Crown Process
The dental crown procedure involves at least two trips to our Rockville dental office. At your first appointment, we will prepare the tooth to accommodate the crown. Our dentist will remove the old filling or crown from your teeth and clean out any decay. We will also remove some of the outer surfaces of the tooth to create room for your new dental crown.
Next, we will take dental impressions of your teeth and send them to the lab so they can fabricate your new permanent crown. Dr. Sarkarzadeh will make sure that the dental lab matches your new crown to the color, shape, and size of your natural tooth enamel. This will ensure that your dental prosthetic will match the rest of your smile. Our dentist may place a temporary tooth-colored crown as a placeholder until your custom-made one is ready.
The second appointment involves placing the new crown. We will remove the temporary one and have you try your new one on to ensure that the fit is right. Once you are happy with the look and feel, we will permanently bond the crown to the damaged tooth and gently polish it.
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Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a versatile dental restoration that we offer. There are many types of crowns available to accommodate the various situations we may recommend a dental crown.
Dental Crown for a Root Canal Procedure
A dentist removes infected tissue from the root canal of the tooth during a root canal treatment. Removing tissue from the tooth structure can compromise the integrity of the tooth. Therefore, the dentist places a dental crown to provide added structure and protection.
Our dentists will cap the treated tooth after a root canal procedure for added stability using a custom crown. The crown will also protect the tooth from future decay or damage.
Cosmetic Dental Crown
Our dentists can use ceramic crowns to address your cosmetic dental concerns. Dental crowns can fix tooth stains, a misshapen tooth, or a broken and chipped tooth. Dr. Sarkarzadeh custom-designs the dental crown to give you a natural and lasting restoration. He will restore beauty to your mouth and not compromise the function of your bite at the same time.
Implant-secured Dental Crown
Dental crowns anchor to a dental implant for a natural and durable replacement of a missing tooth. We surgically implant a small dental implant post, consisting of medical-grade titanium, into your jawbone. The implant replaces the missing tooth root structure and fuses with the bone to support the jaw.
Then, we attach a dental crown to the dental implant to create a permanent long-term replacement. This option does take longer to place; however, the longevity of the restoration extends far past traditional crowns. Supporting a crown with an implant also reduces the risk of jawbone loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about how a dental crown can fix your smile? Here are clear answers to some of the questions we hear most often. Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh also offers second opinions.
Can you whiten an old crown?
You can’t whiten a porcelain or composite crown like you can natural teeth. These materials are made to resist stains. If an old crown looks dull or discolored compared to your other teeth, the best option is usually to replace it with a new one. You can keep your crown bright by brushing regularly and avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks.
Can you repair a chipped crown?
Yes, in many cases a small chip can be repaired without replacing the whole crown. Your dentist can often smooth it or use bonding material to fix it. However, if the chip is large or if you feel pain, the crown may need to be replaced. Avoid using that tooth until your dentist looks at it to prevent more damage.
Is a dental crown noticeable?
Modern crowns are designed to blend in. We make them from porcelain or tooth-colored materials and match them precisely to the shade of your natural teeth. Once placed, they look and feel like a part of your smile, and most people won’t be able to tell you have one. They are more popular in cosmetic dentistry because of their seamless look and feel.
What should I do if my dental crown falls out?
First, find the crown and keep it in a safe place. Then, call our office right away to schedule an appointment. Until you see us, try not to chew on that side of your mouth. You can rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Many drugstores sell temporary dental cement, which you can use to cover the tooth and protect it until your visit.
What should I expect after the crown is placed?
It’s normal to have some sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days after getting a crown. This usually goes away quickly. If you feel pain when you bite down, the crown might be sitting a little high. Call us so we can adjust it. If the crown feels loose or comes off, contact us immediately.
Can a dental crown last forever?
A crown has the potential to last a very long time, even a lifetime, with proper care. This means brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups. On average, a well-made crown lasts between 10 and 30 years. How long yours lasts depends on your oral hygiene and habits.
Can I get a dental crown on my front tooth?
Absolutely. Crowns are an excellent way to restore and protect front teeth that are broken, worn, or have large fillings. We take great care to make sure the crown matches your other teeth in color and shape, so it looks completely natural in your smile.
Will my dental insurance cover my tooth crown?
Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a crown if it is medically necessary. For example, to protect a tooth after a root canal or to fix severe decay. Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80%, but this depends on your specific plan. If a crown is purely for cosmetic reasons, insurance usually doesn’t cover it. The best way to know is to contact your insurance provider directly to understand your benefits.
Get Custom Dental Crowns Today
Contact our dentist in Rockville, MD, when you are ready for a dental crown at (301) 276-4694. You can also schedule an appointment online and we’ll get back to you shortly!