Dental Crown Towson, MD

Dental crowns are a versatile restorative dentistry treatment that many dentists use to restore teeth. Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nathan Dancykier provide dental crowns in Towson, Maryland. Dr. Boenning and Dr. Dancykier specialize in prosthodontics, which means they help patients replace missing teeth and protect and restore damaged teeth. A tooth crown is a popular prosthodontic treatment because it will strengthen a weak or damaged tooth and cap off a dental implant. Receiving dental crowns helps balance the bite and prevent further damage to weakened teeth.

Dental Crown in Towson, Maryland

Am I a Candidate for a Dental Crown?

There are several factors that go into determining if you are candidate for dental crowns. These include the condition of your teeth, how severe the damage or decay is, the current state of your oral health, and what your dental needs are. A dental crown is a versatile dental tool that can be used to address many dental issues. However, in order to receive one, your dentist will need to make sure that the tooth root is intact or that there is enough bone tissue for a dental implant (if you are choosing to get an implant-supported dental crown). If you are missing a tooth, we can help you replace it with an implant that will support a dental crown. We offer bone and tissue grafting to ensure that you have enough support for the dental implant.

Having gum disease or tooth decay will not deter you from being able to receive a tooth crown. We can provide treatments for dental problems before dental crown treatment and put you on the right track to optimal oral health. There are many dental conditions or situation where your dentist may suggest a dental crown as part of your treatment plan:

  • Tooth decay
  • Fractured or broken tooth
  • Large dental filling
  • After root canal therapy
  • Worn down teeth
  • Replace a missing tooth (cap off a dental implant)

 

Receiving a Dental Crown in Towson, MD

Dr. Boenning and Dr. Dancykier work with patients to create a treatment plan tailored to their dental needs and concerns. The first step is to examine the affected tooth to determine if a dental crown is the appropriate treatment option.

The next step is to prepare the tooth. Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing the decay and damaged portion of the tooth. Then they will shape the tooth to create room for the dental crown. If the tooth is severely damaged, they may need to remove additional tooth structure to ensure a proper fit.

Once your tooth is ready, we will take several dental impressions. We will send a mold to a dental lab where they will fabricate a natural looking dental restoration. We will also use the impressions to make a temporary crown for you to wear to protect your tooth until the permanent one is ready.

After a few weeks, you will return to our Towson dental office where your dentist will make sure your new dental crown fits well and looks natural. They will remove the temporary restoration and bond your new dental crown to the tooth for a secure fit.

Replacing a Tooth with an Implant-Supported Dental Crown

If a dental implant is a part of your oral health treatment plan, we will surgically place the implant and wait for it to heal and integrate with the jaw bone fully.

Once the dental implant is healed, we will design the dental crown, which is fabricated in a lab. An abutment will be attached to the implant and used to anchor your permanent dental crown. If patients receive single or several dental crowns to protect damaged teeth, we will secure them to the tooth for a more even and stable bite. We always ensure that our restorations are comfortable and fit precisely.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are used to also restore teeth however they are slightly different than dental crowns. They are indirect tooth fillings that are bonded onto damaged or decayed teeth. A dentist will choose to use an inlay or onlay when the damage to a tooth is too extensive for a traditional dental filling, but not quite bad enough for a full dental crown. They are a conservative dental restoration to preserving the natural tooth.

However, inlays and onlays serve a similar purpose. They help to strengthen teeth and protect them from damage and decay. Your dentist will also go through similar steps to fabricate them and they are made from similar stain-resistant and durable materials.

  • Inlay: This type of dental restoration will repair damage or decay that is limited to the center of the tooth’s biting surface. It does not extend to the cusps portion of the tooth. The inlay will fit snugly within the prepared space and then bonded to the surface of the tooth.
  • Onlay: This type of dental restoration is used when the damage or decay extend beyond the biting surface of the tooth. It does include one or more cusps and typically will cover a larger portion of the tooth’s surface compared to an inlay. For this reason, dentists refer to them as partial crowns. It will fit perfectly on the prepared tooth for a natural appearance.

Dental Crown FAQs

A dental crown is a great dental treatment to restore a weakened or damaged tooth. However, the process to receive one can seem overwhelming for some patients. To learn more about them, read through our frequently asked questions section. Contact us if you have further questions or concerns about dental crowns.

How long will my dental crown last?

Ultimately, the longevity of your crown is based on how well you care for it. You will need to maintain excellent and proper oral hygiene habits, follow all your dentists instructions, and visit your dentist regularly. If you think you may be having an issue with your dental crown, you should schedule an appointment right away to have it addressed. On average, you dental crown should last you about 5 to 15 years.

Is it better to get a dental crown or just have my dentist pull the tooth?

Your dentist will try to save a tooth with a tooth crown rather than extract it. In cases of extreme decay, extraction may be the best option in order to prevent the spread of infection and further damage to adjacent teeth. However, if only mild tooth decay is present, your dentist should use a tooth crown to preserve the natural tooth structure. Ultimately, your dentist will recommend what is best for you based on your condition.

Can I eat a normal diet with a dental crown?

Yes, you can consume food normally with a dental crown. However, you should avoid hard and sticky foods such as candy, nuts, and chips for 24 hours after the procedure. These foods may damage or dislodge your tooth crowns. You should practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, to help maintain the health of your teeth.

Can my dentist remove my dental crown?

Yes, a dentist can remove a tooth crown. If your tooth crown becomes loose or falls out, your dentist may need to replace it. A dentist may also need to remove a tooth crown if it is causing irritation to the gum tissue or if there is an underlying problem with the tooth.

Your dentist will use an instrument to hold the crown and then unscrew it from its connection to the abutment. During this step, the dentist to take caution and not damage any teeth or other surrounding structures. After removing the crown, your dentist will remove any remaining temporary cement with an ultrasonic scaler or hand instrumentation.

Does getting a dental crown hurt?

In most cases, getting a dental crown does not cause significant pain. However, some people may experience some mild sensitivity after the procedure. This is usually temporary, and you can manage it with over-the-counter pain medication. Your dentist will use a local anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain or discomfort during the procedure.

How much do dental crowns cost?

The cost of your dental crown or crowns will vary depending on where they are in the mouth, the material they are made of, and how many dental crowns you require. Some insurance companies cover dental crown treatment, and we will help you submit your claim and help you determine your coverage before your care. Dr. Boenning or Dr. Dancykier will help you determine the cost of your treatment when they create your treatment plan.

Will my dental insurance cover a dental crown?

In most cases, dental insurance will cover some of the cost of a dental crown. Dental insurance policies cover a portion of the cost of most preventive and restorative procedures. Dentists most often use a dental crown to restore a tooth or protect a tooth from further damage. In this case, most dental insurance companies will cover some of the cost of the procedure.

However, many dentists may suggest a dental crown for cosmetic purposes, such as to improve the appearance of teeth. In these cases, the insurance company will most likely not cover any portion of the procedure. You should check with your dental insurance provider to see what procedures your policy covers. They should be able to provide you with information about your specific coverage and any applicable deductibles or copays.


Schedule an Appointment for a Dental Crown in Towson, MD

Do you have fractured or cracked teeth? Are you looking for a dental restoration for one or more teeth? Try a dental crown in Towson, MD and Timonium, MD. Call our office at 410-324-2294 or request an appointment with one of our dentists on our website.