5 Dental Concerns That Crowns Resolve

Whether you suffer from tooth decay, need a root canal, or have lost a tooth, the skilled and experienced dental team at Greenway Dental Group in Greenbelt, Maryland, can create and place dental crowns to protect and brighten your smile.

Let’s explore some information about crowns and how our talented dentists can solve dental problems with a crown in a single day using the latest and most advanced technology. Here are five dental concerns that crowns can resolve. Could you benefit from a dental crown?

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns (commonly called “caps”) are tooth-shaped dental appliances that are created to resemble your natural tooth. They’re attached to existing teeth by a dental cement which is intended to be permanent. There are different types of crowns for various tooth problems and many materials used to make crowns, including porcelain, zirconia, metal, and composite resin.

At Greenway Dental Group, our skilled dentists are trained and certified in using CEREC® dental crowns, which are created right here in our Maryland dental clinic using advanced technology. By using digital imaging to create a model of your tooth, we can use the CEREC technology to create and place your permanent crown the same day you visit us.

How do dental crowns resolve tooth problems?

Dental crowns are often recommended for repairing and protecting damaged teeth. Here’s a brief look at five common tooth problems that can be resolved with a dental crown.

1. Protecting weak teeth

Tooth decay, extensive dental treatments, and repairs all weaken your natural tooth and make it vulnerable to further cracks and breakage. A dental crown covers these weakened teeth to add strength and protection that preserves your natural tooth.

2. Becoming part of a dental implant

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. While several of them can secure dentures or bridges, single tooth replacements are capped with a dental crown that resembles your natural tooth.

3. Repairing damaged teeth

When trauma or decay causes damage to your tooth, weakening it and causing cracks or breaks, your dentist will often repair your tooth with a dental crown that offers an added layer of protection.

4. Reshaping a poorly shaped tooth

When your tooth becomes worn down or otherwise misshapen, or appears deformed, an artificial crown can cover it, providing a natural appearance and superior protection from further wear or injury.

5. Providing support for dental appliances

A crown is normally placed on both adjoining teeth when a dental bridge is created to replace missing teeth. The bridge attaches to your capped teeth, and your crowns provide added strength for this new source of stress. The crowns also protect neighboring teeth from becoming compromised.

Our experienced dentists at Greenway Dental Group perform an oral examination and likely obtain digital images of your teeth to determine if you need a crown. Crowns are commonly used on teeth after:

Root canals
Extensive cavity repair
Repairs to a broken or cracked tooth
Treatment for periodontal disease

How long do dental crowns last?

Permanent dental crowns can last for decades when created from quality materials and placed with great precision. Your routine oral care also affects how long a crown can last.

Routine brushing and flossing, bi-annual dental exams and cleanings, wearing a nightguard if you have bruxism, protecting your teeth while playing sports, and avoiding hard foods can help your dental crowns last for many years.

If you have a tooth that has been compromised by injury or decay, don’t hesitate to get the dental care you need to restore your oral health. Contact our office today by calling or using our online appointment scheduling tool.