A dental crown is a tooth-colored “cap” that is placed 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 as well as 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 dental crowns that offer long-lasting results. We will create a dental crown that will look just like a natural tooth.
About Dental Crowns
Every smile is unique, so we will shape, size, and color match a dental crown to blend seamlessly with the natural smile. Typically, we create dental crowns using porcelain ceramic, which is a natural stain and decay-resistant material.
Dental crowns serve a variety of purposes in dentistry. Your dentist may use a dental 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
CEREC-produced dental crowns are typically referred to 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. When applicable, Dr. Deckard may use CEREC technology to create high-quality dental crowns.
Dental Crown Procedure
Treatment will depend on the unique needs of each patient. 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.
During the final visit, your dentist will place and secure the final crown. 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 be used 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 your oral health.
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 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 will not be able to whiten your dental crown with any type of teeth-whitening product. You can take steps at home to keep your crown as bright as possible, but 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?
For a traditional dental crown, a tooth typically needs to have enough structure remaining to support the crown. This means that a tooth needs to have 1.5 to 2 millimeters of healthy enamel remaining in order to support a dental crown. If there is not enough tooth structure remaining to support a traditional tooth crown, your dentist may suggest an alternative treatment. Your dentist will evaluate your tooth and make a recommendation for 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 (such as nuts or hard candy) 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 of removing a dental crown typically involves the use of a dental drill to break the seal around the crown and then remove the crown from the tooth. Depending on the type and complexity of your procedure, it may take anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours for your dentist to successfully remove a dental 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, so 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.