Do you have worn or damaged teeth? At Lighthouse Family Dentistry in Annapolis, MD, we offer dental crown treatments to restore and protect your teeth. A dental crown is a cap that covers damaged or discolored teeth, giving them strength and a natural look. Dentists often use crowns after root canal treatments, but they can also help lengthen teeth or repair those that are worn down, decayed, or broken.
Dental crowns are made from porcelain, a material that reflects light just like natural teeth. This makes them blend in with your smile. They are also colored to match your natural teeth, so they look almost identical to the real thing. Crowns are also great for supporting other dental work, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures, helping keep your smile looking natural and complete.
Why Choose Us for Dental Crowns?
Dr. Taylor Meiser, a prosthodontist, specializes in replacing missing teeth and fixing damaged ones. He uses high-quality materials to create crowns that look natural and fit comfortably. While metal or gold crowns are strong, they stand out. Ceramic and porcelain crowns, on the other hand, are durable and look more like real teeth, making them a great option for a natural-looking smile.
Dr. Meiser customizes each crown to fit perfectly, restoring both the look and health of your teeth.
Why Might You Need a Crown?
There are several reasons you might need a crown:
- Cover large fillings: If a tooth has a large filling and is at risk of cracking, a crown can help protect it from further damage.
- Protect damaged teeth: A crown can cover and strengthen teeth that are cracked, chipped, or worn down. In some cases, it may even prevent the need for pulling the tooth.
- Secure other restorations: Crowns can also cover dental implants or support a bridge by covering the natural teeth on either side, keeping the false teeth in place.
Dental Crown Treatment at Lighthouse Family Dentistry
At Lighthouse Family Dentistry, we offer same-day dental crowns. Here’s what to expect when you come to our office for crown treatment:
Evaluation
Dr. Meiser will examine your teeth, gums, and bite. He will take digital X-rays to decide which teeth need crowns and whether any other treatments, such as gum disease care, fillings, or extractions, are needed first. Once your mouth is healthy, he’ll begin the crown process.
Preparation
To get your teeth ready for crowns, Dr. Meiser gently removes a small part of the enamel. This step makes sure the crown will fit properly on your tooth. He’ll also take digital impressions of your teeth to create custom crowns that fit just right.
Same-day Crowns
Using advanced CEREC and CAD/CAM technology, Dr. Meiser can provide same-day crowns. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic, while CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and manufacturing. This technology allows us to create custom crowns right in our office.
Dr. Meiser uses the digital impressions to design your crown, then sends the design to a machine that shapes the crown from ceramic. This process allows us to complete your treatment faster and more efficiently.
Final Placement
Once your crown is ready, Dr. Meiser will place it on your tooth or implant. Crowns attached to implants offer extra support and prevent bone loss in the jaw. Before you leave, he will make sure your new crown fits comfortably and functions properly.
At Lighthouse Family Dentistry, we’re here to help restore your smile and keep your teeth healthy.
Dental Crown FAQs
Do you have questions about dental crowns or wonder if they could improve your smile? Keep reading to learn more about dental crown treatments in Annapolis, MD, and get answers to common questions.
What are the benefits of dental crowns?
Dental crowns offer several benefits for your oral health and appearance. Some of these benefits include:
- They look and feel like natural teeth.
- They can improve your smile’s appearance.
- They protect weak teeth from further damage.
- They can lengthen short teeth.
- They help create a stable bite.
If you think dental crowns might help you, contact us for a consultation. We’ll create a custom plan that fits your needs and goals.
What should I expect after the dental crown procedure?
After getting a dental crown, you may feel some soreness or sensitivity in your tooth and gums for a few days. This is normal and should go away on its own. We recommend staying away from very hot, cold, or hard foods at first. If you have a temporary crown, you’ll need to be extra careful with it until your permanent crown is ready.
You might also notice your bite feels a little different at first. If it feels uneven, let us know so we can adjust the crown. Once everything heals and the crown settles, it should feel just like a regular tooth.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are types of restorations used to repair damaged teeth. Sometimes called partial crowns, they are made of tooth-colored materials and are used to strengthen your teeth. Inlays cover the space between the sides of the tooth, while onlays cover a larger area, including the tooth’s cusps.
Can a broken crown be repaired?
Yes, we can repair a broken crown. If your crown breaks or falls out, contact us right away. We can provide you with a temporary fix and plan for a more permanent solution. It’s important to take care of a broken crown to avoid further damage to your natural tooth or gums.
How long do crowns last?
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. With proper care, they can last 25 years or more. The lifespan of your crown depends on the materials used and your oral habits, like grinding your teeth, biting your nails, or chewing hard foods.
If you notice any changes in how your crown fits or feels, call our office. We want to make sure your crown stays comfortable and lasts as long as possible.
Do dental crowns look natural?
Yes, modern dental crowns are designed to look just like natural teeth. Made from ceramic materials, they match the shape, size, and color of your real teeth, so they blend right in with your smile. Our dentist will work to make sure your crown fits well and looks just like a regular tooth, giving you a natural smile.
Contact Us for Dental Crowns Today
If you’re looking to improve or protect your smile, dental crowns might be the answer. Visit Lighthouse Family Dentistry in Annapolis, MD, for your crown treatment. You can Schedule an appointment with Dr. Meiser on our website or by calling us at 410-324-7287.
If you have more questions about dental crowns, feel free to ask our team. We’re here to help you understand your treatment options and keep your smile healthy!