Dental Crowns in Rockville, MD
A dental crown is commonly used to repair a damaged or decayed tooth, support a root canal, or cap a dental implant. Dental crowns are a permanent dental restoration that can help to support the stability of the patient’s bite and overall oral health. They treat a wide range of both oral health and cosmetic-related concerns with lasting results.
Dental crowns are made from high-quality porcelain that reflects light for a natural luster. Patients who require a dental crown can have the restoration shaped and color-matched to blend in with the adjacent teeth.
Rockville, MD restorative dentist Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh has over 23 years of experience providing cosmetic and restorative treatments for dental concerns. Dr. Sarkarzadeh helps patients restore the aesthetics and stability of their bite through personalized care, patient education, and quality materials.
Treatment with Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a highly customizable dental restoration. They may be used to treat both cosmetic and restorative issues. Dr. Sarkarzadeh will design the dental crown to meet the cosmetic goals of the individual patient. Because the use of a dental crown can vary, treatment will depend on the oral health and needs of the patient. Dr. Sarkarzadeh ensures that patients understand their dental treatment before beginning. We want you to be fully informed, prepared, and confident before any treatment begins.
Types of Dental Crowns
- Implant Secured Dental Crown: Dental crowns anchor to a dental implant for a natural and durable replacement of a missing tooth. We surgically implant small dental implant post, made of medical-grade titanium, into the jawbone. The implant replaces the missing tooth root structure and fuses with the bone for long-term support of the jaw. Once healed, we attach a dental crown to the dental implant for a permanent 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 deteriroation.
- Dental Crown for Root Canal: A root canal treatment removes infected tissue from the root canal of the tooth. Removing tissue from the tooth structure can compromise the integrity of the tooth, therefore a dental crown is used to provide added structure. A dental crown commonly caps the treated tooth after a root canal for added stability, while also protecting the tooth from future decay or damage.
- Cosmetic Dental Crown: Dental crowns may also be used to repair cosmetic dental concerns. Dental crowns correct tooth discoloration, a misshapen tooth, or a broken or chipped tooth. Dr. Sarkarzadeh custom-designs the dental crown for a natural and lasting smile. These are used to restore aesthetics and function to patients bites.
The Dental Crown Process
The dental crown process involves at least two trips to our dentist’s office. At your first appointment, we prepare your teeth to accommodate the crown. Your dentist will remove the old filling or crown and clean out any decay. We remove some of the outer surfaces of the tooth to create room for your new dental crown. We take dental impressions of your teeth and send them to the lab so they can fabricate your crown. The crown will be custom-matched to the exact color, shape, and size of your natural tooth enamel to ensure that your restorations matches the rest o your smile. While waiting for your permanent crown, the dentist places a temporary 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 try your new one to ensure the fit is right. Once you are satisfied with the look and feel, we permanently bond the dental crown to the tooth and gently polish it.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Do you have further questions about how dental crowns can restore your smile? Continue reading to learn more and find answers to commonly asked questions.
Can you whiten an old crown?
No. You can take steps to brighten your crown at home, but you can’t whiten porcelain or composite dental crowns with traditional teeth whitening. Modern dental crowns are highly resistant to discoloration, so it’s better to replace an old crown that has discoloration.
Can you repair a chipped crown?
Yes. If the damage to the crown is not significant, your dentist can repair it without having to replace it completely. If the damage is causing severe pain or sensitivity, you may need to replace it. Don’t use the affected tooth until you get it repaired. If left untreated, you can cause further damage, and an infection may develop under the crown.
Is a dental crown noticeable?
Today’s modern dental crowns made of porcelain or composite resin are virtually unnoticeable. They blend in with your natural teeth because we can color-match them very accurately. They are now more and more prominent in cosmetic dentistry because of their seamless look and feel.