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Dental Crown Washington DC

A dental crown is a tooth-colored “cap” that dentists place over the entire portion of a damaged tooth. A dental crown is specially crafted to fit a patient’s unique needs. They are necessary to protect the tooth from further damage and strengthen it.

Dr. Justin Deckard offers dental crowns in our Washington, DC dentistry office. Dr. Deckard incorporates the latest dental technology and materials to create long-lasting dental crowns. We will create a dental crown that will look just like a natural tooth. We also provide additional restorative density treatments to new and existing patients in Washington, DC.

dental crown advantages Washington DC

About Dental Crowns

Every smile is unique so that we will shape, size, and color match a tooth crown to blend seamlessly with the natural smile. Typically, we create dental crowns using porcelain ceramic, a natural stain—and decay-resistant material.

Dental crowns serve a variety of purposes in dentistry. Your dentist may use a tooth 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 Technology For Dental Crowns

Dentists typically refer to CEREC-produced tooth crowns as “same-day dental crowns.” In some cases, Dr. Deckard may utilize CEREC technology to design and fabricate dental crowns in just one visit to our Washington, DC, dental office. CEREC eliminates the need for temporary restorations, multiple office visits, and long waiting times. Dr. Deckard may use CEREC technology to create high-quality dental crowns when applicable.

Dental Crown Procedure

Treatment will depend on each patient’s unique needs. The process for receiving a dental crown may vary from patient to patient. Dr. Deckard will be sure to explain all phases of treatment. In some cases, patients will need to visit our dental office on multiple occasions throughout the duration of the dental crown process. Dr. Deckard will prepare the tooth for bonding.

Dr. Deckard will take an impression of the tooth. While we make the permanent crown, patients may receive a temporary crown to help stabilize the affected tooth. Your dentist will place and secure the final crown during the final visit. Dr. Deckard will discuss any aftercare instructions to make sure you have the knowledge you need to care for your new healthy smile.

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, your dentist will screw in or cement a custom-made dental crown to the dental 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 better for oral health.

Dental Crown FAQs

We have answers to commonly asked questions patients have about dental crowns.

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 for your overall health if your dentist uses it to repair a damaged tooth. Although, if you are getting a dental crown for cosmetic reasons, they will most likely not cover it. Contact your insurance provider for specific details.

Can a dental crown last a lifetime?

Yes, but only crowns made of certain materials. Gold tooth crowns and zirconia tooth 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 elongate the life of your crown by practicing good oral hygiene.

Can I whiten my dental crown?

You cannot whiten your dental 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 do not work on dental crown materials. 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 dental crown requires a tooth to have enough structure 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 a traditional tooth crown, your dentist may suggest an alternative treatment. Your dentist will evaluate your tooth and recommend the best course of treatment for you.

Can I eat normally with a dental crown?

Yes, you can eat normally with a dental crown. The dental crown acts like a real tooth. You should maintain it in the same way as a real tooth. However, you should avoid hard foods that could break the bond between the metal and porcelain of your restoration. Additionally, you should avoid eating chewy foods like gum.

Finally, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing. This will help to prevent decay around the edges of your dental crown.

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 the crown. The dentist will then remove the crown from the tooth. Depending on the type and complexity of your procedure, it may take 15 minutes to two hours for your dentist to remove a tooth crown.

It’s important to note that 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. As a result, you should not feel any pain. 


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.