Restorative Dentistry · Houston TX 77037 · Se habla español
A dental crown can protect a tooth that is at risk of fracture, restore one that is already damaged, or complete a tooth after root canal treatment. At Mi Smile Family Dental, Dr. Maddipati reviews your X-rays with you, explains exactly what she finds, and gives you the full picture — including costs — before any treatment begins. You decide what happens next.
No forms required to call · Se habla español
Is this an emergency? If a crown has come off, a tooth is broken, or you are experiencing significant pain, call us at 832-779-5522 and we will do our best to see you promptly. If you have severe swelling spreading to your jaw or neck, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to your nearest emergency room immediately — these require urgent medical attention.
A dental crown — sometimes called a cap — is a custom-made restoration that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth, from the gumline up. Once cemented in place, it becomes the new outer surface of the tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. The tooth underneath remains in place; the crown simply protects and rebuilds what is visible above the gumline.
Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry because they address a wide range of clinical situations. Each crown is fabricated specifically for your tooth by a dental laboratory, based on precise measurements and impressions taken at our office on Airline Drive. The result is a restoration that fits your bite, matches the shade of your surrounding teeth, and functions like a natural tooth.
The material used depends on which tooth is being crowned, your bite, and your preferences:
Dr. Maddipati discusses which material best suits your specific tooth and situation.
Only a clinical examination with X-rays can determine whether a crown is the most appropriate treatment for your specific tooth. Dr. Maddipati shows you the X-ray, explains her findings and reasoning, and is straightforward about when a crown can reasonably wait — she does not recommend treatment that is not clinically indicated.
A dental crown typically involves two appointments. Below is a general overview — the details of your individual treatment may vary based on your tooth, its location, and the material selected. Dr. Maddipati walks you through the process specific to your situation before beginning.
Dr. Maddipati examines the tooth, reviews X-rays with you, and explains why a crown is recommended and what the alternatives are. She covers the complete cost — including what your insurance will cover — before any work begins. You decide whether and when to proceed.
The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia and gently shaped to create space for the crown. The amount of reshaping depends on the crown material and the current condition of the tooth. Dr. Maddipati conserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible throughout this step.
Precise impressions or digital scans of the prepared tooth are taken and sent to the dental laboratory for custom fabrication. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth and maintain your bite and appearance while the permanent crown is being made.
At your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is evaluated for fit, shade, and bite before being cemented. Dr. Maddipati makes any final adjustments and provides specific care instructions for your new crown.
The number of appointments and the overall timeline depend on individual clinical circumstances. Dr. Maddipati explains what to expect for your specific tooth before beginning. General disclaimer: this is an overview of a typical crown process; individual experiences vary.
A crown covers the visible portion of your tooth — but the natural tooth structure at and below the gumline is still present. The most common reason a crown needs replacement is decay developing at the margin where the crown meets the tooth. Consistent daily home care makes a real difference.
Bruxism (teeth grinding) places significant force on dental restorations. If Dr. Maddipati identifies signs of grinding, she may discuss whether a night guard would help protect your crown and remaining natural teeth. Let her know if you wake with jaw soreness or headaches, or if you have been told you grind at night.
Dr. Maddipati will review your X-rays, explain what she finds, and give you an honest assessment — including whether a crown is the right option for your tooth, or whether it can wait. We verify your insurance before your visit.
Call 832-779-5522No rotating associates. Dr. Soujanya Maddipati personally sees every patient, reviews your X-rays with you, and explains everything in plain language before any treatment begins. You decide what happens — at your own pace.
Dr. Maddipati earned her Master of Public Health before her dental degree — an unusual path that shapes how she thinks about your care. She understands that dental decisions affect your whole life, and she takes the time to make sure you have the complete picture before deciding anything.
She founded Mi Smile Family Dental on Airline Drive specifically to serve the North Houston community — including Greenspoint, Aldine, and surrounding neighborhoods. She accepts Medicaid and CHIP as genuine care options, verifies your benefits before treatment begins, and explains all costs upfront.
Nothing starts before you're informed and comfortable. You decide what happens next.
"Dr. Maddipati was calm, thorough, and explained everything before touching anything. I left feeling so much better about my dental health."
"She is very patient and thorough. Really appreciated the time she spent explaining everything clearly. Best dentist near 77037."
"They verified my Medicaid before I arrived so I knew exactly what to expect. Clean office, no long wait, and the doctor answered every question."
"An exceptionally caring and talented dentist. I drive from Champions area just to see her. She genuinely listens."
Reviews reflect individual patient experiences. Individual outcomes vary. Displayed with permission.
We verify your coverage before your visit and explain all costs before treatment begins — so you can make a confident, informed decision with no surprises.
We are a proud Medicaid and CHIP provider for adult and pediatric patients. Coverage specifics depend on your individual plan and the treatment needed. Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) dental plans are also accepted. We verify your benefits before scheduling any treatment and explain all costs upfront — so you always know what to expect.
Most PPO dental plans include coverage for dental crowns as a major restorative benefit. The covered percentage and which teeth qualify vary by plan and clinical circumstances. We verify your specific benefits before treatment and provide a pre-treatment cost estimate. Call us with your insurance card and we check your coverage before your appointment — at no charge.
Plans we work with:
Aetna · Delta Dental · Cigna · MetLife · Guardian · Humana · United Healthcare · Texas Medicaid (STAR) · CHIP · Medicare Advantage · CareCredit · Sunbit
Coverage varies by individual plan and clinical circumstances. Financing subject to lender approval. Call us with your insurance information and we verify before your appointment.
Call to Verify Coverage — 832-779-5522General educational information only. For guidance specific to your tooth and situation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Maddipati.
Mi Smile Family Dental is conveniently located on Airline Drive in North Houston, and we are proud to welcome patients from our core service neighborhoods: Greenspoint (77060), Aldine (77037, 77038) along the Airline Drive corridor, Greenspoint North (77067) along I-45 north, and Greater Inwood / Hidden Valley (77088) near Hwy 290.
We also warmly welcome patients from North Houston near Spring (77073), North Houston District (77014), the FM 1960 / Champions area (77090, 77066), Aldine Far North (77039, 77032), Northside / Independence Heights (77076), Greater Inwood West (77086), Acres Home (77091), and Northeast Houston / Eastex-Jensen (77093). Wherever you are coming from, you are always welcome here.
Dr. Maddipati reviews your situation honestly, explains your options clearly, and never recommends treatment that is not clinically indicated. Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare Advantage, and most PPO plans welcome. No referral needed. Se habla español.
Call 832-779-5522Or request an appointment online. · También disponible en español
General Information Only — Not a Substitute for Professional Dental Advice. The content on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute dental advice, diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Individual clinical needs and outcomes vary significantly. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH for a personalized evaluation. If you experience severe tooth pain or swelling, call 832-779-5522 or go to the nearest emergency room. Content reviewed and updated April 2026. References: American Dental Association (ADA) clinical guidelines.
Reviewed by: Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH · Texas-Licensed DDS · Medicaid Provider · Last reviewed April 2026
También disponible en español: Coronas Dentales en Houston, TX
For educational purposes only. Clinical recommendations are individualized. Not a substitute for professional dental evaluation. Last reviewed April 2026.
