A dental crown is 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 in with the smile and create a seamless look.
Why Should You Choose Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are an excellent solution to repair the appearance and comfort of your tooth. Crowns can last for years, as they are durable and should 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.
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.
Crowns do more than just cover damaged teeth. They can also cap off dental implants or support a dental bridge. They’re one of the most useful tools in restorative dentistry.
What Dental Crowns Can Treat
Dental crowns are valuable because they can treat various cosmetic and restorative dental conditions. We can treat many dental concerns with tooth crowns.
- Fix Cosmetic Flaws: Teeth whitening does not always work on every type of stain. If your tooth is deeply discolored, a crown can cover it completely. Dr. Banks color-matches the crown to the shade you want. No one will ever see the stained tooth underneath. A misshapen or deformed tooth can also affect how you chew or speak. A crown restores the correct shape so your tooth can work the way it should.
- Protect Teeth After Root Canals: After a root canal, your tooth may be weaker than before. A crown helps protect it and seals it from further infection. You will be able to chew and use the tooth normally again.
- 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. This helps your anchor teeth last longer.
- Repair Broken or Decayed Teeth: A crown can be the last way to save a broken or decayed tooth. It can hold cracked pieces together or replace parts of the tooth that are gone. Crowns also protect exposed nerves and smooth out sharp edges that could cut your tongue or cheek.
- 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.
Dental Crown Treatment in Washington, DC
Dr. Banks must prepare the treated tooth to fit the dental crown properly. He’ll gently etch into the tooth enamel. The amount of enamel removed depends on the thickness of the crown. Then, he’ll take an impression of your tooth, which he sends to a dental technician to create the crown.
Dr. Banks will color-match the tooth so the crown blends in with the smile. He may also make impressions of the jaw opposite of the treated tooth so the crown matches your teeth. Once the crown is complete, Dr. Banks will double-check the shape and size of the crown and make adjustments as needed. Finally, he’ll cement the crown to the tooth.
You can care for dental crowns like natural teeth. You can brush and floss your crown using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Tooth crowns can last ten to fifteen years with the proper care. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and visiting the dentist regularly will help the crowns stay bright and last.
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 tooth 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 be painful. 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.