DDS — University of Colorado Denver School of Dental Medicine (2013) · MPH — University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center · Licensed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners · Texas Medicaid Provider · Serving North Houston from 11834 Airline Drive since founding Mi Smile Family Dental
Last Reviewed: April 2026 Reviewed against ADA & CDC guidelines
Restorative Dentistry · Houston TX 77037 · Se habla español
Dental Crowns – North Houston — Protecting and Restoring Your Natural Tooth
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. — serving Greenspoint (77060), Aldine (77037 · 77038), Hidden Valley (77088) and North Houston.
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.
When Dr. Maddipati May Recommend a Crown
Clinical Situations
A tooth with very large decay where little healthy structure remains
A cracked or fractured tooth that needs protection from further splitting
A tooth significantly worn down by grinding (bruxism)
Improving the appearance of a severely misshapen or discolored tooth
Crown Materials
The material used depends on which tooth is being crowned, your bite, and your preferences:
Zirconia — very strong and tooth-colored; excellent for back teeth
Porcelain/full ceramic — most natural appearance; often used for front teeth
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) — strong metal core with porcelain exterior
Full metal/gold alloy — highly durable; typically for hidden back molars
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.
The Crown Process
What Getting a Crown Involves at Our Airline Drive Office
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.
1
Consultation & X-Ray Review
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.
2
Tooth Preparation
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.
3
Impressions & Temporary Crown
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.
4
Permanent Crown Placement
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.
Long-Term Crown Care
Caring for Your Crown
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.
Daily Home Care
Brush the crown margin at the gumline as you would a natural tooth
Floss daily around the crown — this cleans the margin where decay can develop
Avoid chewing very hard foods (ice, hard candy) directly on the crown
Report any changes in sensitivity, fit, or bite promptly
Professional Follow-Up
Continue routine dental cleanings — the hygienist monitors the crown margins
Dr. Maddipati checks the crown at each visit for any changes
If you grind your teeth, a night guard can help protect both the crown and natural teeth
Call us if anything feels different — early detection gives you the most options
Grinding & Your Crown
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.
Questions About Your Tooth? Let's Take a Look.
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.
General educational information only. For guidance specific to your tooth and situation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Maddipati.
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It may be recommended when a tooth has significant decay, a crack, severe wear, a very large filling, or after root canal treatment. Dr. Maddipati reviews your X-rays with you and explains whether a crown is appropriate for your specific tooth.
Texas Medicaid covers dental crowns when clinically necessary for eligible patients. Coverage depends on which tooth is involved and your specific plan. We verify your individual Medicaid benefits before scheduling any treatment and explain all costs clearly upfront.
A dental crown typically involves two appointments — a preparation visit and a cementation visit. During the first visit, the tooth is shaped, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed. At the second visit, the permanent crown is tried in and cemented. Dr. Maddipati explains each step before beginning.
Common crown materials include zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, full ceramic, and full metal. The most appropriate material depends on which tooth is being crowned, your bite forces, and your aesthetic preferences. Dr. Maddipati discusses the options and her recommendation for your specific tooth.
The tooth is fully numbed with local anesthesia before preparation begins. Most patients find the procedure much more comfortable than anticipated. Some sensitivity around the temporary crown is common between appointments and typically resolves once the permanent crown is placed.
Crown care involves brushing at the gumline daily, flossing around the crown margin, and avoiding chewing very hard items on the crown. Decay can develop at the margin where crown meets tooth if not kept clean, so consistent daily hygiene is important. Dr. Maddipati provides specific care instructions at your appointment.
Teeth grinding places significant force on dental restorations. If Dr. Maddipati identifies signs of grinding during your examination, she may discuss whether a night guard would help protect your crown and natural teeth. Let her know if you wake with jaw soreness or have been told you grind at night.
Crowns can occasionally come loose, particularly if the underlying tooth structure changes over time. If your crown comes off, contact us at 832-779-5522 — keep the crown if possible and avoid chewing on that side. Dr. Maddipati evaluates the tooth and discusses the most appropriate next step.
The choice between a crown and a large filling depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains, where the tooth is located, and your bite forces. Dr. Maddipati reviews your X-ray and explains her clinical reasoning before recommending either option. She is straightforward about when a filling is sufficient versus when a crown is more appropriate.
Yes — se habla español. Dr. Maddipati and the entire Mi Smile Family Dental team are happy to explain the crown process, answer all your questions, and guide you through every step completely in Spanish. Our office at 11834 Airline Drive serves the North Houston community in both languages.
Your Tooth Deserves the Right Restoration
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.
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
American Dental Association (ADA) — Dental Crowns: Clinical Considerations and Materials. ada.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Oral Health Data & Statistics. cdc.gov/oralhealth
Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Medicaid Dental Benefits. hhs.texas.gov
Mi Smile Family Dental, 11834 Airline Drive, Houston TX 77037 · Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH
For educational purposes only. Clinical recommendations are individualized. Not a substitute for professional dental evaluation. Last reviewed April 2026.
Real Patients · Verified Google Reviews
What Our Patients Are Saying
4.9 · 70+ Google Reviews · Mi Smile Family Dental
“Dr Maddipati was awesome, she explain everything clear, and always making sure that I was telling comfortable; her team also was so kind. I definitely will be back.”
Teresa M.· Google · 2 years ago
“Service is amazing very welcoming and friendly , loved how every concerned i had was answered and explained throughly!”
Hillary V.· Google · a year ago
“Great experience i loved coming here . Office is very clean and organized.The front desk lady is very nice as well the assistants and the doctor Maddi. They are nice people attentive patient caring .Any concern you have they answer and explain to you step by step. Any other dentist places they just worry about the money and not the patients here they not like this. I went to get x-rays done due to me having some pain concerns about my cavities they sat me in the room and the doctor explain to me everything i was looking at the screen "x-rays". Will be coming back !!”
Alexandra S.· Google · a year ago
“I love the staff and the dentist they are so nice, I used to come here since I was a kid now I have a kid of my own and I love it so patient with babies. With insurance or without they try to work with you I love it. My baby got a balloon and a free baby toothbrush. Come here with your babies !!”
Karen· Google · 9 months ago
These are actual reviews from our Google Business Profile. Last names have been shortened to initials to protect patient privacy. English reviews appear as the patients wrote them.
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