A dental crown is a tooth-colored “cap” that dentists place over the entire portion of a damaged tooth. Dr. Deckard crafts each crown specially to fit your unique needs. They are necessary to protect the tooth from further damage and strengthen it after a root canal.
Dr. Justin Deckard offers dental crowns in our Washington, DC, dental office. Dr. Deckard uses the latest technology and materials to create long-lasting dental crowns. Each crown se create looks just like a natural tooth. We also provide other restorative dental services for issues that crowns can’t fix.
Dental Crowns in Washington DC
Every smile is unique. We will shape, size, and color match a tooth crown to blend seamlessly with your smile. Typically, we create crowns using porcelain ceramic because it’s a decay and stain-resistant material.
Dental crowns serve a variety of purposes in dentistry. Your dentist may use a crown to:
- Stabilize a tooth after a root canal
- Address stained or discolored teeth
- Reshape a misshapen tooth
- Restore damaged or decayed teeth
- Restore missing teeth with the help of a dental implant
- Replace fractured or damaged fillings
CEREC Same-day Crowns
Dentists typically refer to CEREC crowns as “same-day crowns.” In some cases, Dr. Deckard can use CEREC technology to design and fabricate your new crown in just one visit to our office. CEREC eliminates the need for temporary restorations, multiple office visits, and long wait times.
Here’s how it works. Using advanced CEREC technology, Dr. Deckard first takes a digital scan of your tooth. Then he designs your custom crown right there in the office. A special milling machine will create it while you relax.
He’ll bond it to your tooth once it’s ready, and you’re good to go. No second appointment or no temporary fixes. Just a strong natural-looking crown in a single visit.
It’s like magic, but with science! Plus, CEREC crowns consist of high-quality ceramic that is durable and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. So, CEREC crowns might be the perfect solution for you if you’re looking for a more convenient way to restore your tooth.
Traditional Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a traditional crown is a pretty straightforward process, but it can take a couple of visits to complete. Dr. Deckard will walk you through each step and make sure you know what to expect. Since every patient’s needs are different, the exact process might vary a bit, but here’s the general idea.
First, Dr. Deckard will prepare the tooth that’s getting the crown. This usually involves shaping the tooth so the crown can fit perfectly. Once that’s done, we’ll take an impression (or mold) of your tooth. We will send the impression to a dental lab where they will make your custom crown.
While you’re waiting for your permanent crown to be ready, you’ll get a temporary crown to protect your tooth. It’s not as strong as the final crown, so you’ll need to be a little careful with it. No sticky or super hard foods for now!
Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll come back for your final visit. Dr. Deckard will remove the temporary crown, check the fit of the new one, and bond it securely to your tooth. He’ll also give you some tips on how to take care of your new crown so it lasts as long as possible.
It might take a little time, but the end result is a strong tooth that blends right in with your smile. Dr. Deckard will make sure you’re comfortable and informed every step of the way.
What is a Dental Implant Supported Crown?
Dentists typically use a dental crown to restore a severely damaged tooth. However, they can also use them to replace a single missing tooth. If you are missing one tooth, Dr. Deckard can implant a single fixture into your jawbone at the void. After a few months of healing, he will attach a custom-made crown to the implant.
An implant-supported crown is the most natural way to replace a single missing tooth. It will not only look like a real tooth but will also function and feel like a real tooth. This solution will also prevent bone loss in the jaw and is much better for your oral health than a partial bridge.
Dental Crown FAQs
Does my Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Yes, most dental insurance plans will cover the placement of a dental crown. Most insurance providers consider a dental crown a necessary dental procedure if your dentist uses it to repair a damaged tooth. Although, they will most likely not cover the cost if you are getting a dental crown for cosmetic reasons. Contact your insurance provider for specific details.
Can a Crown Last a Lifetime?
Yes, but only crowns made of certain materials. Gold and zirconia crowns can last for a lifetime. Metal crowns can last for about 20 years. Porcelain crowns can last between 10 to 15 years. You can extend the life of your crown by practicing good oral hygiene.
Can I Whiten my Dental Crown?
You can’t whiten your crown with any type of teeth-whitening product. However, you can take steps at home to keep your crown as bright as possible. Traditional teeth-whitening methods don’t work on CEREC and traditional crowns. Modern dental crowns are highly stain-resistant, so consider replacing your old crown instead.
How Much of a Tooth do I Need for a Dental Crown Procedure?
A traditional crown needs enough enamel remaining to support it. This means that a tooth needs to have 1.5 to 2 millimeters of healthy enamel remaining to support a dental crown. If not enough tooth structure remains to support it, your dentist may suggest an alternative treatment. Your dentist will need to examine your tooth to recommend the best course for you.
Can I Eat Normally with a Dental Crown?
Yes, you can definitely eat normally with a dental crown. It works just like a real tooth, so treat it the same way. Just try to stay away from really hard foods that might damage the crown. And skip the gum and any super chewy foods too. Good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing, are key to keeping your new crown in the best shape and preventing any decay around the edges.
Can my Dentist Remove a Dental Crown?
Yes, your dentist can remove a dental crown. The process typically involves using a dental drill to break the seal around it. The dentist will then remove the crown from the tooth. Depending on the type and complexity of your procedure, it can take 15 minutes to an hour for your dentist to remove an artificial crown.
Removing a dental crown may cause some temporary sensitivity or discomfort. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area before starting the procedure. You shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Schedule An Appointment
To learn more about dental crowns and how they can save your natural teeth, visit DC Precision Dentistry. To schedule an appointment, call (202) 851-7554 or request an appointment online.