Do you have a cracked, weakened, or worn teeth? You may need a dental crown, a tooth-colored cap that fits over a damaged tooth. It strengthens the tooth and restores its natural look. Dr. Christopher Banks offers dental crown treatment as a restorative dentistry service in his Washington, DC, office. He ensures dental crowns blend with your smile for a seamless look.
Dental crowns are an excellent way to restore your tooth’s appearance and comfort. Crowns can last for years because they’re durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain, ceramic, glass, or even gold or metal alloy. If you have a missing tooth, our tooth crowns offer a natural-looking and durable solution.
What Dental Crowns Can Treat
Dental crowns address a wide range of cosmetic and restorative concerns. Here’s what we can treat with tooth crowns:
- Repair broken or decayed teeth: When a tooth is cracked, broken, or severely decayed, a crown can hold it together and restore its function. It can also replace parts of the tooth that are gone.
- Protect teeth after root canals: After a root canal, your tooth is weaker than before. A crown protects it, seals it from further infection, and allows you to chew normally again.
- Fix cosmetic flaws: Teeth whitening doesn’t work on every type of stain. If your tooth is deeply discolored, a crown can cover it completely. A misshapen or deformed tooth can also affect how you chew or speak. A crown restores the correct shape so your tooth works the way it should.
- Support dental bridges: A dental bridge replaces several missing teeth in a row. The bridge is held in place by crowns on the healthy teeth at each end. Those crowns take the pressure and stress instead of your natural teeth, helping your anchor teeth last longer.
- Complete a dental implant: A dental implant is the best way to replace a missing tooth. When topped with a custom crown, it looks and feels just like a natural tooth. You can eat whatever you want without worrying about your restoration.
Types of Dental Crowns
Several types of dental crowns are available, and each type has its own benefits. The most common types include:
- Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are made entirely of porcelain, which gives them a natural look that matches your teeth. They’re great for front teeth because they look very realistic.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: PFM crowns have a metal base covered with porcelain. They’re strong and durable, making them good for back teeth where biting pressure is higher. The porcelain on the outside helps them blend in with your natural teeth.
- Metal Crowns: These crowns are made of materials like gold or silver. They’re strong and can withstand significant pressure, making them ideal for back teeth. But they aren’t as natural-looking as porcelain crowns.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a strong, tooth-colored material. They’re great for both front and back teeth but are more expensive than other options. Because they’re so strong, they can damage opposing teeth if they aren’t adjusted carefully.
- Resin Crowns: These crowns are made from tooth-colored materials. They’re usually less expensive than other types, but they may wear down faster. We often use resin crowns as temporary crowns.
Dr. Banks prefers tooth-colored crowns because they blend in with your smile. Even metal crowns on back teeth can be seen when you open your mouth. Porcelain or ceramic crowns give you a much more natural look.
Dental Crown Treatment in Washington, DC
Dupont Dental, we use the highest-quality materials to create dental crowns that last. We also take our time to craft crowns that fit precisely and look natural. Here’s what you can expect when you get a crown in our office.
Step 1: Consultation and Preparation
Dr. Banks will examine your tooth and take digital X-rays to assess the damage. He’ll explain why a crown is recommended and discuss your options. If you need a root canal or other treatment first, we’ll address that before placing the crown.
Once we’re ready to proceed, Dr. Banks will prepare your tooth. He’ll gently reshape the enamel to make room for the crown. The amount of enamel removed depends on the thickness of the crown. You’ll receive local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout.
Step 2: Impressions and Temporary Crown
After preparing your tooth, Dr. Banks will take an impression. He may also take impressions of the opposite jaw so the crown matches your bite. He’ll color-match the crown to your surrounding teeth so it blends in seamlessly.
While your permanent crown is being made, Dr. Banks will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth. You’ll wear this temporary for a few weeks while the dental lab creates your custom crown. Avoid sticky or hard foods during this time to prevent damage to the temporary.
Step 3: Permanent Crown Placement
When your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to our office. Dr. Banks will check the shape, size, and color of the crown, making adjustments as needed. Once everything looks right, he’ll cement the crown to your tooth. You’ll leave with a restored tooth that looks and functions like new.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We’re here to help. We have answers to some of the most common patient questions about tooth crowns in Washington, DC.
Can I whiten a tooth crown if it becomes discolored over time?
No, you can’t whiten crowns like your other teeth. Porcelain or ceramic crowns don’t respond to whitening treatments. If your crown becomes discolored, our dentist may need to polish or replace it to restore its appearance. We’ll whiten your natural teeth first and then match a new crown to that shade for a more consistent look.
Can a dental crown fall off or come loose?
A dental crown can fall off or come loose if the cement that holds the crown in place wears out or if the tooth underneath changes. If your crown comes off, don’t try to glue it back yourself. Keep the crown safe and call Dr. Banks. We can clean and reattach your crown in our office. If not, Dr. Banks can make a new one.
Can I get cavities under a dental crown?
Yes, even though the crown covers your tooth, the edge where the crown meets your natural tooth can still collect plaque and bacteria. Decay can form under the crown if you don’t brush and floss regularly. We recommend that you keep your teeth and gums clean and visit our office for regular checkups to prevent cavities.
What signs indicate that a crown needs to be replaced?
You might notice discomfort, sensitivity, or pain around the crown when you bite or chew. Other signs include visible damage, chips, cracks, or darkening near the gum line. You may experience gum inflammation or persistent bad breath if the crown isn’t sealed properly. Regular dental visits help catch these problems early so we can replace your crown before more serious issues happen.
Can crowns be placed on baby teeth in pediatric dentistry?
Yes, severely decayed or damaged baby teeth may need crowns. Stainless steel crowns are common for kids as they’re durable and protect teeth until permanent ones emerge. Crowns also keep baby teeth in place to maintain proper spacing for adult teeth. We can discuss whether a crown is appropriate for your child’s needs.
Will I need a temporary crown while waiting for my permanent one?
Yes, Dr. Banks can provide a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the permanent one is custom-made. This temporary crown shields the prepared tooth. It also helps you chew comfortably and maintain proper spacing. You want to avoid sticky or hard foods to prevent damage. The temporary crown stays in place until your permanent crown is ready within a few weeks.
Does getting a tooth crown hurt?
Getting a crown isn’t painful because our dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure. You might feel some pressure or mild discomfort during tooth preparation, but it shouldn’t hurt. After the procedure, some patients experience temporary sensitivity. This will resolve within a few days to a week.
Will a dental crown affect my speech or how I bite and chew?
A new crown may feel different at first and cause minor adjustments in how you chew or speak. Most people adjust within a few days. If the crown feels off, Dr. Banks can make small adjustments. A properly placed crown should improve your chewing and not hurt your speech.
Schedule a Crown Consultation Today
Do you have a worn or damaged tooth that makes it uncomfortable to bite and chew? Contact Dupont Dental for a durable, tooth-colored dental crown in Washington, DC, today at (202) 946-4720. You may also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Banks on our website.