Restore Your Tooth’s Strength & Beauty
Has a tooth seen better days? Maybe it’s cracked, has a large cavity, or has an old filling that just isn’t holding up anymore. A root canal can also leave a tooth feeling fragile and vulnerable.
A dental crown from Dr. Mark Hagigi acts like a custom helmet for your tooth. It covers and protects the entire visible part above the gumline. This restores your tooth’s strength, shape, and natural beauty. Think of it as a second chance for your natural tooth. We offer restorative dental services in Rockville, MD, so you can chew, smile, and speak with confidence again.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits snugly over a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, and function while protecting it from further damage. Unlike a filling that only fills a cavity, a crown covers the whole tooth.
Your Rockville dentist might recommend a crown when a tooth needs more support than a simple filling can provide. The tooth is too damaged, and a crown holds it together, distributes chewing forces evenly, and prevents fractures down the road.
When Might You Need a Dental Crown?
Dr. Hagigi recommends crowns for several situations:
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth: A crown holds the pieces together and stops the crack from spreading.
- Large Cavities: When a cavity is too big for a standard filling, a crown provides full coverage and protection.
- After a Root Canal: Root canal-treated teeth become more brittle. A crown protects them from breaking under normal chewing pressure.
- Deeply Discolored or Misshapen Teeth: A porcelain crown can cover stains or reshape an oddly formed tooth for a seamless smile.
- To Anchor a Dental Bridge: Crowns on adjacent teeth hold the replacement tooth in place.
- To Complete a Dental Implant: The crown sits on top of the implant post, creating a natural-looking replacement tooth.
Dental Crown Materials: Which One Is Right for You?
At Montgomery Dental Associates, you have options. Dr. Hagigi will help you choose the best material for your specific tooth, bite, and cosmetic goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Material | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| All-Porcelain | Front teeth, visible areas | Most natural look. Matches the color, translucency, and light reflection of real teeth. |
| Zirconia | Back teeth, heavy biting, teeth grinders | Extremely strong and durable. Modern zirconia also looks very natural. |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal | Back teeth needing extra support | Combines the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain. Less natural than all-ceramic options. |
| Gold / Metal | Molars where appearance isn’t a concern | Incredibly durable. Gentle on opposing teeth. Longest-lasting option. |
What about same-day crowns? We use advanced 3D printing technology right in our Rockville office. In many cases, we can create your permanent crown on-site instead of sending impressions to an outside lab. This saves you time and the need for a second appointment.
Your Crown Journey in Rockville: What to Expect
Dr. Hagigi keeps the process simple, comfortable, and stress-free. Here’s how it works:
Visit 1: Preparation and Impressions
- We gently numb the area so you’re comfortable.
- Dr. Hagigi removes any decay or damage and shapes the tooth to make room for the crown.
- We take a precise digital impression of your tooth using a small handheld scanner. It’s comfortable and quick, with none of the goopy, gag-inducing materials you might remember from past dental visits.
- You leave with a sturdy temporary crown that protects your tooth.
- We use our in-house 3D printer to design and create your permanent crown.
Visit 2: Permanent Crown Placement (Often Same-Day)
- We remove your temporary crown and check the fit and color of your new permanent crown.
- Dr. Hagigi adjusts it carefully to ensure your bite feels completely natural.
- We bond the crown securely into place.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my new crown look fake?
Not at all. Dr. Hagigi works with skilled technicians to match the color, shape, and translucency of your surrounding teeth. Most people will never know it’s not your natural tooth.
Is the procedure painful?
You’ll be comfortably numbed, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the appointment. Afterward, any tenderness is usually mild and fades within a few days.
How long will my crown last?
With proper care, a crown can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. The key is maintaining great oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing carefully around the gumline, and keeping up with your regular check-ups at our Rockville office. Dr. Hagigi will check the fit and seal of your crown during each visit to help ensure it stays in great shape for many years.
Can I eat normally?
Yes. Once your crown is placed, you can enjoy all your favorite foods, but we do recommend using common sense. Avoid chewing on extremely hard objects like ice, hard candy, or pens with any tooth, crowned or not. This simple habit will help protect both your crown and your natural teeth.
Does my dental insurance cover crowns?
Most dental insurance plans consider crowns a major procedure and typically cover about 50% of the cost after your deductible. We’ll review your coverage and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. We also work with CareCredit, LendingClub, and LendingPoint for flexible payment options.
Can a crown be placed on an implant?
Yes. A dental crown is the final, visible piece that attaches to a dental implant. The implant acts as an artificial root, and the crown sits securely on top to function just like a natural tooth. Dr. Hagigi is an implant specialist, so he can manage the entire process from implant placement to crown placement in one convenient Rockville office.
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. A veneer is a thin shell that covers only the front surface. Crowns are stronger and used for teeth with significant damage, decay, or after a root canal. Veneers are primarily cosmetic and suited for minor chips, gaps, or discoloration on otherwise healthy teeth.
How do I care for my crown?
Care for a crowned tooth is just like caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss carefully around the gumline, and keep up with your regular cleanings and exams. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy to prevent damage. With good home care and professional check-ups, your crown can last for many years.
Why Choose Dr. Hagigi for Your Dental Crown?
Getting a crown is about more than fixing a damaged tooth. It’s about preserving your long-term oral health with confidence.
Dr. Hagigi combines precise, modern techniques and same-day 3D printing with a gentle, patient-focused approach. He’ll walk you through every step, explain your material options clearly, and make sure you feel at ease. And because he’s an implant specialist and restorative expert, you’re in highly skilled hands for even the most complex cases.
Our Rockville practice at 15200 Shady Grove Road welcomes patients from throughout Montgomery County and surrounding areas. We regularly serve patients from North Bethesda, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Derwood, Aspen Hill, and Kensington, as well as local Rockville neighborhoods like Twinbrook, King Farm, and New Mark Commons. Our office is easily accessible whether you’re coming from I-270 or local streets.
You don’t have to live with a damaged or compromised tooth. Let’s discuss how a durable, beautiful dental crown can protect your smile.
Ready to restore your tooth’s strength and beauty? Call your Rockville dental office at (301) 679-7786 or request an appointment online today.
