The Crown Placement Procedure

Dental crowns are a tooth-shaped "cap" that fit snuggly over the tooth, completely covering it. Crowns mimic the shape, color, strength and appearance of a tooth. Click on a thumbnail below to view the crown placing procedure.

The Benefits of a Crown Include:

  • Enhancing your appearance
  • Covering discolored teeth
  • Attaching a dental bridge
  • Holding a filling in place
  • To protect a weak or cracked tooth
  • To cover a dental implant
  • To strengthen the teeth
  • To restore a tooth to it's natural shape and size

How to Know if You Need a Dental Crown

Bridges are designed to bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth and is typically comprised of two or more crowns fused together and attached to the surrounding teeth.

Do You Need a Dental Bridge or Dental Crown in Potomac, MD?

A dental bridge does just what its name suggests. It bridges the gap that is left when one more teeth become missing. Today's technology allows crowns and bridges to be fabricated with all ceramic material, imagine no more metal! These revolutionary materials mimic tooth structure and appearance resulting in a more natural outcome. Similar to a partial denture, a bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Patients can contact Taff & Levine DDS to learn more about getting a dental bridge in Potomac, MD.

Why do I need a dental bridge?

When one or more teeth become missing, it can negatively affect the appearance of your smile. Additionally, the remaining teeth will begin to shift around in order to fill the empty spaces. When this happens, several functional issues can arise. Problems such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), speech problems, and difficulty cleaning teeth can arise out of misalignment.

Similar to a partial denture, a dental bridge attempts to close the gap left by missing teeth. It works by suspending however many false teeth are necessary between two adjacent teeth. In most cases, the adjacent teeth are prepared to support the bridge and the necessary number of crown units are fused together.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is essentially a sort of cap often made from porcelain or ceramic that is shaped like a tooth. It is placed over a tooth that has been damaged by extensive tooth decay or injury. Taff & Levine DDS may recommend a dental crown in Potomac, MD in cases such as the following:

• A tooth has been weakened by tooth decay.Crowns and Bridges Bethesda, MD
• A tooth is broken or severely worn.
• A large existing filling is failing.
• A root canal has been performed.
• A dental implant is required.

What is a dental crown?

  Dental crowns are usually made from porcelain or ceramic and are shaped and colored to look like a natural tooth. They are essentially small encasements or “caps” that are placed over damaged teeth to restore their appearance, size, shape, or strength. By encasing the exposed portion of the tooth, a dental crown can reduce the amount of pressure placed on the tooth itself and prevent further damage or discomfort caused by tooth decay or other factors.

How does it work?

Placing a dental crown is a fairly straightforward procedure that can be done in just two office visits. The first visit will be to prepare the tooth and create a mold for your crown. Taff & Levine DDS will take x-rays of the tooth to make sure the root and surrounding areas are healthy. Then, the tooth will be numbed and prepared to receive the crown. This involves removing tooth structure from the top and the sides to create enough room for the crown. An impression of the tooth is then taken and used to create your custom made crown.

It usually takes about three weeks to manufacture the crown. Once is has been created, you will need to come in for second visit. This is when the crown will be tried in and cemented in place permanently.

Do I need a crown?

Crowns are very common restoration procedures, but only an examination and x-rays can help us determine if this is the best course of treatment for your situation. Patients suffering from an injury, tooth decay, or other oral issue can contact Taff & Levine DDS to find out if you are a candidate for a dental crown in Potomac, MD.