Cosmetic Dentistry in Bethesda, MD - Mazza Center for Implant and Esthetic Dentistry - Home

Mazza Center for Implant and Esthetic Dentistry

David V. Mazza, DDS

4300 Montgomery Ave. # 101; Bethesda, MD 20814 - Bethesda Metro Station - Free Parking

Crowns

A filling can correct a small hole in the teeth. To rebuild, reshape or protect your tooth, a crown is needed.

A crown, also called a 'cap,' is a tooth-like restoration that is placed

over an existing tooth to restore the function, shape, appearance and strength of the damaged tooth.

Crowns serve to protect and cover the tooth when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling. Crowns may also be used to protect the structure of a tooth

that is fractured, broken, or has had root canal treatment.

*A crown is placed for a number of reasons:*

. To support a tooth with a large cavity/filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining

. To whiten teeth

. To align crooked teeth to correct the bite

. To protect weak teeth from fracturing

. To restore fractured teeth

. To cover badly shaped or discolored teeth

. To cover a dental implant

Crowns are placed over two visits, approximately two weeks apart. At the first visit, the tooth is reshaped or "prepared." This may include

rebuilding part of the tooth with a crown buildup. Dr. Mazza will determine the best approach for your particular needs. A mold is then

made of this tooth (the mold usually includes adjacent teeth and the teeth that this one bites against). From this mold, the laboratory

constructs your crown with the porcelain color matched to your tooth.

While the crown is being constructed, you have a temporary crown on your tooth.

The temporary crown is usually made of plastic (it can also be metal), and is not intended for long-term wear. It is usually in position from 2

to 6 weeks at most. It is to protect the tooth from sensitivity (temperature, touch), protect the gums, and keep the adjacent and

opposing tooth from shifting. A temporary crown is like a temporary tire - it is sufficient for short-term, careful use.

At the second appointment, the final crown is glued on your tooth after the temporary crown is gently removed. If your tooth is sensitive, you

may require some anesthesia. Your new crown is assessed for fit, color, shape and appearance, bite, fit between teeth, and seal against your

tooth. If everything is correct and it meets your approval, it is cemented with a long-term cement. Treat the crown as if it is your own tooth, especially for cleaning. It is not uncommon to experience a little sensitivity to cold after getting a new crown, but this should diminish quickly over a couple weeks.

There are different materials which can be used to fashion a crown. In our practice, crowns are generally composed of porcelain overlying high noble metal. This type of crown offers cosmetic uniformity, with the coloration of the crown matched to your teeth, with technological strength. It is the most durable choice for crowns. Sometimes I recommend

that the back teeth have metal at the chewing surfaces of the crown to add to their durability.

Crowns function and feel just like your natural teeth. To help maintain your crown, brush your teeth twice per day, floss regularly, and be sure to see Dr. Mazza every 6 months

for routine cleanings and examinations.