Peartree Dental Care

Dr. Michael Zhou

Request an Appointment

(410) 750-2599

General and Aesthetic Dentistry

5725 Richards Valley Rd A7
Ellicott City, MD 21043

Peartree Dental Care > Services > Crowns and Bridges

Don't let broken, decayed, or missing teeth ruin your smile.

Crowns and Bridges

Do you avoid certain foods because of a damaged tooth? Maybe you hide your smile in photos due to a noticeable gap where a tooth used to be. If either of these sounds familiar, it might be time to consider a dental crown or bridge to restore your smile.

Dr. Michael Zhou understands the challenges of living with teeth that are missing or don’t function comfortably. At Peartree Dental Care, we custom-craft dental crowns and bridges from the highest-quality materials to ensure natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Only the Dentistry You Need

Dr. Zhou's conservative approach ensures we will never recommend more dentistry than you need. You can be confident that every restoration serves a clear purpose—to restore your smile’s health and function using the most effective, conservative methods.

Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges

Choosing a crown or bridge to restore or replace damaged teeth offers several benefits:

Improved Oral Health

Damaged or missing teeth can lead to shifting, bite problems, and additional tooth wear. Crowns protect teeth from further damage, while bridges prevent neighboring teeth from moving into the empty space.

Restored Function

With a well-made, properly fitted crown or bridge, you can enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort. Your restoration functions like a natural tooth so that you can speak, eat, and smile confidently.

Enhanced Confidence

Custom-crafted crowns and bridges restore the natural appearance of your smile. Whether replacing a damaged tooth or filling a gap, our restorations blend with your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Michael Zhou

Dr. Michael Zhou grew up in Maryland and earned his undergraduate degree in history from Johns Hopkins University. He then completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of Maryland Dental School, followed by a general dentistry residency (AEGD) at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Virginia. This advanced training provided him with comprehensive experience in treating complex dental cases and working with patients from diverse backgrounds.

A Foundation in Research and Lifelong Learning

Dr. Zhou’s dedication to lifelong learning is evident in his extensive research and ...

View

Reasons You Might Need a Crown

A dental crown is a protective cap that completely covers a tooth. Dr. Zhou may recommend this restoration for several reasons:

Support a tooth with a large filling
Restore a severely worn or broken tooth
Prevent further damage to a cracked tooth
Strengthen a tooth after root canal treatment
Improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth
Cover a dental implant
Support a dental bridge

Replace Missing Teeth with a Bridge

A dental bridge spans the gap created by one or two missing teeth. Adjacent teeth support a natural-looking replacement tooth that sits in the gap and completes your smile.

Bridges are an excellent solution for anyone with missing teeth and offers several benefits:

Restore your ability to chew and speak properly
Prevent remaining teeth from shifting into the open space
Maintain the shape and balance of your face and bite

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I care for my crown or bridge?

Proper care of your dental crown or bridge is essential for maximizing its lifespan and maintaining your oral health.

Daily Care for Your Crown or Bridge

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay attention to the area where the crown or bridge meets the gumline to prevent decay and gum disease.

For bridges, use floss threaders to clean under and around the bridge daily. This prevents bacteria from accumulating in these harder-to-reach areas and protects your restoration.

Protect Your Investment

Avoid biting hard objects like ice or using your teeth as tools to open packages.
If you grind your teeth at night, wear a custom nightguard to protect your restoration from excessive wear and pressure.
Be mindful of sticky or very hard foods that could damage or dislodge your restoration.

Long-Term Maintenance

Regular dental checkups every six months allow Dr. Zhou to monitor your restoration's condition and address any concerns early. During these visits, we check for proper fit, signs of wear, and any changes that might affect your restoration's longevity.

If you notice changes in the feel of your crown or bridge, schedule an appointment for evaluation. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent more significant problems and ensure your restoration serves you for many years.

Have a Question? Call Us!

If you have specific questions about caring for your dental restorations, we welcome your call. Contact our Ellicott City, MD, dental office at (410) 750-2599.

Crowns and Bridges Technology

Digital Impressions

Digital impressions replace traditional putty molds with advanced scanning technology, creating a highly accurate 3-D image of your teeth. This modern approach eliminates uncomfortable sensations and improves the precision of restorations like crowns, bridges, and aligners. Digital impressions are faster and more reliable, allowing for a better fit and feel of your dental work.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

The Process for Getting a Crown or Bridge

At Peartree Dental Care in Ellicott City, we make getting your new restoration easy. We can typically complete the entire process—from consultation to placement—in just two visits.

Initial Consultation — Dr. Zhou will assess your teeth and gums and explain your options.
Digital Impressions — Advanced imaging technology ensures precise measurements and a comfortable fit.
Custom Fabrication — Your restoration will be crafted by a trusted dental lab using high-quality materials.
Placement — Dr. Zhou adjusts your new crown for fit and comfort and securely bonds it in place.

With proper care, including consistent oral hygiene and routine checkups, crowns and bridges can last 10–15 years or longer.

Start Your Journey to a Restored Smile

Ready to restore your smile's comfort and confidence? Contact Peartree Dental Care to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from Ellicott City, Columbia, Catonsville, and surrounding communities looking for expert restorative dental care.

Blogs

November 1, 2024

When Is it Time to Replace Old Dental Work?

When a filling, crown, bridge, or other dental work is new, most people don’t consider how long it will last. Dental restorations aren’t designed to last forever, though. Today’s blog will help you know the symptoms that could indicate old dental work is failing, as well as how long various restorations generally last. If you have any questions about your restorations, or you’re starting to feel an ache that may indicate it’s time to see the dentist, call Peartree Dental Care in Ellicott City, MD, to book your restorative dentistry ...

View