Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that completely covers the visible portion of a prepared tooth to restore shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used when a tooth has lost structure to decay, fracture, large fillings, or after root canal therapy and a simple filling would not provide lasting protection. By encasing the tooth, a crown helps prevent further damage and restores normal chewing function.

Modern crowns are fabricated from a variety of biocompatible materials designed to mimic natural teeth while resisting everyday forces. At Chadha & Co Dental our clinicians evaluate each case to select a crown that balances durability and esthetics for the individual patient. The result is a restoration that blends with the smile and protects the underlying tooth for years when properly maintained.

A crown is recommended when insufficient healthy tooth structure remains to support a durable filling or onlay, such as with very large cavities, extensive cracks, or teeth weakened after root canal treatment. In these situations, a filling would be prone to failure because it cannot adequately redistribute biting forces across the tooth. A crown provides full coverage, which reduces the risk of further fracture and offers a more predictable long-term outcome.

Clinicians also recommend crowns when conservative cosmetic options cannot correct severe discoloration, misshapen teeth, or alignment issues that affect appearance and function. Crowns may serve additional restorative roles as abutments for bridges or as the visible portion of an implant restoration, so treatment planning considers both the tooth's current condition and the patient’s long-term oral health goals. Diagnostic imaging and a thorough exam help determine whether a crown is the best choice for a given tooth.

Crowns restore function by rebuilding the tooth's original anatomy so it can withstand chewing forces and maintain proper contact with neighboring and opposing teeth. Full-coverage restorations distribute occlusal loads more evenly across the prepared tooth, which reduces stress on weakened areas and lowers the likelihood of new fractures. A well-contoured crown also helps reestablish correct bite relationships, which is important for comfort and long-term wear patterns.

In addition to mechanical protection, crowns help preserve periodontal health by creating smooth transitions at the gum line that are easier to clean and less likely to trap plaque. When the crown margins are precise and well-seated, the risk of recurrent decay at the restoration edge is minimized. Regular professional monitoring ensures the crown continues to protect the tooth and that surrounding tissues remain healthy.

Crowns are made from several materials that offer different balances of strength, translucency, and wear characteristics. Common options include porcelain-fused-to-metal for strength with a natural surface, all-ceramic systems for superior esthetics, and high-strength zirconia for situations requiring exceptional durability. Precious metal alloys are still used in certain posterior applications for their longevity and gentle wear on opposing teeth.

The choice of material depends on the tooth’s location, the amount of visible enamel, the patient’s bite forces, and esthetic priorities. Your dentist will discuss how a material performs in function and appearance and recommend the option that best meets both clinical needs and cosmetic expectations. Accurate impressions or digital scans and precise laboratory work are essential regardless of material to achieve a well-fitting, long-lasting crown.

The crown process begins with a comprehensive exam and diagnostic imaging to evaluate the tooth, surrounding bone, and bite. During tooth preparation the dentist removes damaged tissue and reshapes the tooth to create space for the crown, building up the core when necessary to provide a stable foundation. An impression or digital scan captures exact dimensions so the laboratory or in-office milling system can fabricate a restoration that fits precisely.

After preparation, a temporary crown is commonly placed to protect the tooth while the final restoration is made, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled for try-in and cementation. At the seating visit the clinician adjusts contour and occlusion for comfort and function before permanently bonding the crown. If a root canal is required, it is completed first, and in some cases same-day CAD/CAM technology allows for a single-visit crown; your dentist will explain which workflow is appropriate for your case.

Same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology can be an excellent option for many patients because they eliminate the need for a temporary restoration and shorten treatment time. This approach relies on in-office digital scanning and milling to produce a final restoration during a single appointment, which can be convenient and accurate when the clinical situation is straightforward. Ideal candidates typically have teeth that do not require complex subgingival margin work or extensive buildup that benefits from laboratory customization.

However, there are clinical scenarios where traditional laboratory-fabricated crowns remain preferable, such as when advanced esthetic layering or specialized materials are required for long-span bridges. Your dentist will assess the tooth and surrounding tissues and recommend the workflow that provides the best combination of fit, strength, and appearance. Whether same-day or lab-crafted, attention to fit, marginal integrity, and occlusion determines the restoration’s success.

Maintaining a crowned tooth follows the same fundamental principles as caring for natural teeth: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily, paying special attention to the crown-tooth interface at the gum line. Gentle, consistent plaque control prevents recurrent decay at the margins and helps preserve the health of adjacent gum tissue. Using an antibacterial mouthwash or interdental brushes can be helpful when recommended by your clinician.

Avoid habits that place excessive stress on the crown, such as biting hard objects, chewing ice, or using teeth to open packages, and discuss bruxism concerns with your dentist because chronic grinding can accelerate wear or cause fractures. If you grind or clench, a custom night guard may be advised to protect crowns and natural teeth. Regular dental checkups let your clinician monitor crown margins, contacts, and surrounding tissues so small issues can be addressed before they require replacement.

Yes, crowns serve as the visible restoration on both natural tooth preparations and dental implants, and they are commonly used as pontics or abutments in fixed bridges. An implant crown attaches to an implant abutment and replaces a single missing tooth with independent support from the implant fixture, while a bridge crown relies on neighboring teeth or implant abutments for support. Both approaches restore chewing function and esthetics, but the planning and attachment protocols differ.

Treatment planning for implant crowns involves evaluating bone support, implant position, and soft tissue contours to ensure a durable, natural-looking result, whereas bridgework requires assessment of abutment tooth health and the long-term impact on adjacent teeth. Your dentist will explain the maintenance differences, including how hygiene is performed around implant restorations and bridge pontics, and recommend the solution that best fits your oral health needs.

Common signs that a crown may need professional attention include new or worsening sensitivity, persistent discomfort while chewing, visible cracks or chips in the crown, and a feeling that the crown is loose. Dark lines at the gum margin, recurrent food trapping, or swelling and tenderness of the surrounding gum tissue can also indicate problems like marginal leakage or underlying decay. Early evaluation helps determine whether repair, recementation, or replacement is necessary.

When a crown becomes loose or a tooth beneath it develops pain or infection, timely dental care can often prevent more invasive treatment. Your dentist will examine the restoration, take necessary radiographs, and recommend the appropriate intervention based on the cause and the condition of the underlying tooth. Prompt attention to these warning signs protects adjacent teeth and preserves overall oral health.

Determining whether a crown is the best option begins with a comprehensive clinical evaluation that includes visual examination, diagnostic imaging, and discussion of your functional and esthetic goals. Your dentist will assess the remaining tooth structure, presence of decay or fracture, periodontal status, and bite relationships to recommend the most conservative yet durable restoration. Alternatives such as onlays, veneers, or implants may be considered depending on the clinical findings and your preferences.

If you would like to explore restorative options, contact our North Bethesda office to schedule a consultation where the team will review diagnostic results and explain recommended treatments in detail. At that visit you can learn how a crown or alternative restoration aligns with your long-term oral health plan and what the expected steps will be to achieve a predictable outcome.