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Dental Crowns
Restore Damaged & Decayed Teeth
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth in Ellicott City, Font Hill or Dunloggin, a dental crown from Dr. Hyun Dong Kim at Pinnacle Family Dental is the best way to restore your tooth and your smile. Learn more about crowns below, or contact us now for a consultation.
The Basics of Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a false tooth that is designed to fit over your existing tooth and cover it up completely. To do this, your existing tooth is trimmed into a strong, stable platform to which the crown can be attached. Then, a crown is built that will fit over your remaining tooth structure, and cover it up all the way to the gum line.
Crowns can be made of many different materials including gold, steel, and even dental resin. However, they are most commonly made with a porcelain ceramic material. Porcelain is very similar to your natural enamel, so this provides the best cosmetic results. Your crown will look and feel just like a natural tooth.
Why Would I Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are typically the best way to restore damaged teeth. A crown may be required if you have a deep cavity, or if you have a large, old filling that needs to be replaced. Crowns are also commonly used to cover up teeth that have been broken or damaged by dental trauma, or to restore teeth after root canal therapy.
More rarely, dental crowns can be used for purely cosmetic purposes. If you have a very small or misshapen tooth, for example, a crown might be determined to be a better option than alternative treatments like veneers or dental bonding.
The Dental Crown Placement Process
After your initial consultation, it typically takes two appointments to get a crown at Pinnacle Family Dental. Dr. Kim will begin by cleaning and numbing your mouth. Then, once your mouth is numb, he will use a dental drill to remove any decayed or damaged material from your tooth.
After this, he will shape your tooth into a stable platform, to which your crown can be attached.
Once your tooth has been prepared and trimmed, Dr. Kim will also take dental impressions and images of your teeth. These will be sent to a dental lab where your crown will be made. You will be sent home with a temporary crown to protect your tooth, as it will take 2-3 weeks to have your crown made.
After your crown arrives at our office, you’ll come in for your second and final appointment. Dr. Kim will remove your temporary crown and clean your tooth, then check the fit of your permanent crown. If everything looks good, your crown will be attached using dental cement. This completes the procedure.
The Benefits Of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns have a number of benefits. First, getting a crown prevents further complications related to your damaged tooth. Your crown will cover up and protect your remaining enamel, preventing further decay and other health issues.
In addition, crowns restore the function and beauty of your smile. A damaged or decayed tooth can make your smile look less attractive, and also can make it harder to eat and chew normally. Crowns address both of these issues, restoring your appearance and your oral health.
Finally, crowns are very durable and long-lasting. High-quality crowns can easily last 15-20 years or longer with proper care. To care for your crown, all you have to do is brush and floss normally, and see Dr. Kim regularly for six-month oral exams and teeth cleanings.