CEREC® Dental Restorations: It’s Done In One Visit!
Our office may recommend the use of a dental crown for a wide range of cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry purposes. A dental crown covers the entire tooth surface like a cap, adding strength, aesthetics, and lasting function. Dental crowns can be made from several types of materials, all of which have enjoyed advances in recent years and can provide a lasting result.
We will recommend the most appropriate type of dental crown for your dental health and cosmetic needs. In most cases, a porcelain or ceramic crown is suggested for a durable, aesthetic result. Our Columbia MD dentist near you, places dental crowns during a single visit using CEREC® technology. Dental crowns can treat:
- Damaged teeth: chipped or cracked teeth
- Severely decayed tooth
- Discolored teeth that don’t respond to teeth whitening
- Misshapen teeth
- After a root canal to strengthen a tooth
- To strengthen anchor teeth for a dental bridge or other appliance
Learn more: CEREC® technology for dental crowns.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a decayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged tooth. A crown completely covers a tooth above the gum line. A veneers only covers a tooth’s front surface and needs natural tooth structure to support it.
We recommend crowns if you have a tooth is missing a significant amount of structure above the gum line. Dental crowns are also commonly used to support a tooth that has had a root canal. A dental crown can help support the tooth’s structure after a root canal, which can weaken the tooth.
We also use dental crowns in cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, misaligned, or discolored. Dental crowns can close gaps in teeth and create a more aesthetic smile. Crowns also strengthen damaged teeth, allowing them to function normally again.
“The CEREC® technique is centered around the convenience to the patient. You do not have to have multiple visits, you do not have to have messy temporaries. The material itself is extremely closely matched to natural human dentition and the patient gets it done in one sitting.” Dr. Ray Becker
Porcelain vs. Gold Dental Crown
Our Howard County dentist offers several choices in material for dental crowns. He will generally use a tooth-colored restoration such as porcelain for teeth in the smile zone. Porcelain dental crowns blend seamlessly with the natural smile and can be fabricated and secured in just one visit to our office using CEREC®.
Teeth in the back of the mouth may be better restored using a tooth cap. These dental restorations may require multiple visits to the office. Teeth will be prepared and fit with temporary dental restorations while the final restoration is fabricated. When the dental restoration is finalized, the patient will return to our Columbia dentist office for the final fit and permanent attachment of the dental crown.
Both choices are highly durable and the dentist will help you choose which is right based on your needs, goals, and budget.
Dental Crown Procedure in Columbia, MD
We offer same-day dental crowns using CEREC® technology. Patients benefit from the convenience of receiving a dental crown in just one visit to our office. CEREC® uses digital technology to eliminate the need for messy impression trays, reduce long wait times, and reduce the number of visits to the dentist’s office.
CEREC® dental crowns are made from high-quality dental ceramic and provide long-lasting and natural-looking results.
Initial Visit
First, Dr. Becker will thoroughly examine the teeth, gums, jaw joints, and other support structures. Using diagnostic x-rays, molds, and impressions, he will look for hidden signs of decay, stress, and instability.
This exam will help us design a personalized treatment plan to restore the tooth to optimal health and function. Dr. Becker will inform you of your options for dental crowns and help you make the best choice.
Tooth Preparation
Once the treatment plan is finalized, our dentist will prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of the natural tooth structure to accommodate the dental crown. CEREC® eliminates the need for a temporary tooth cap.
Dr. Becker will take digital images of the prepared tooth and create a digital 3-D model of the new dental crown. These images are used to fabricate a comfortable, beautiful, and natural functioning dental crown using our onsite dental laboratory equipment.
Final Restoration
For patients receiving a dental crown using CEREC® technology, their restoration can be created while they wait. In just one visit to our Howard County dentist office, you may be fit with your final dental crown restoration. The dental crown will be permanently bonded to the prepared tooth. Patients will enjoy immediate results.
Dental Crown FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental crown treatment in Columbia, MD:
Are CEREC dental crowns better than traditional crowns?
CEREC® technology allows for a patient to receive a dental crown in just one visit to our Columbia, MD dentist office near you. It eliminates messy impression trays, temporary crowns, and weeks of waiting. The latest in dental technology, CEREC® uses the highest quality restoration materials for durable and natural-looking results.
Can you replace an old crown with a new one?
Yes! We can replace your old discolored dental crown with a new one built with CEREC in a single visit. Old crowns have a tendency to stick out like a sore thumb compared to the natural aging process of your normal teeth. The average crown lasts anywhere between 10 to 15 years. However, most insurance providers will cover replacement after 5 years.
Is dental crown treatment painful?
No. The process should not be painful or cause painful after-effects. Your mouth will be numbed before the procedure. You will also be monitored during treatment, so we can adjust to any discomfort you feel.
Is my tooth going to be more sensitive after getting a dental crown?
There may be some initially increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods, but this should subside within a couple of days to two weeks. Some patients may experience discomfort shortly after the procedure that may seem like something is wrong, but this is natural.
How much tooth is required for a crown?
You will need 2 millimeters of your natural tooth for a dental crown. If you have a worn tooth, you are likely a candidate for a dental crown.
Do I need a root canal before a crown?
If tooth decay has reached your dental pulp, you will only need a root canal before a crown. However, you can also get a dental crown if you have a damaged or worn tooth and require protection. We often recommend a crown following root canal treatment to protect a weakened tooth.
Can you whiten a dental crown?
No, you can’t whiten a dental crown with regular whitening treatments. Whitening products are designed to work on natural tooth enamel. Crowns are made from materials like ceramic, which don’t respond to bleaching. If your dental crown no longer matches the color of your natural teeth, you might need to replace the crown.
Do crowns feel different from natural teeth?
Crowns are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, but they may feel a little different at first. When a crown is placed, it should fit comfortably in your mouth and allow you to bite and chew like normal. However, some people notice a slight difference in the way a crowned tooth feels compared to their natural teeth, especially if you have a new crown.
If the crown feels uneven or uncomfortable, it might need to be adjusted by your dentist. We will work to make sure the crown fits well and feels natural so you can enjoy a comfortable bite and smile.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation
If you want to learn more about dental crowns in our Columbia, MD, area dentist office, schedule an appointment. You can also call (410) 415-9013. Howard County Smiles is currently welcoming new patients.