At DC Dental Spa, we use crowns to improve both your appearance and your overall health. Dental crowns can restore teeth and the look and function of your smile, allowing you to smile big again!
A dental crown is a cap or cover that can be put over your tooth. It can restore the tooth to its normal size, shape, color, and function.
You may be experiencing an issue with a tooth that is damaged, decayed, or even less aesthetically pleasing than the surrounding teeth. With these examples, dental crowns can be an excellent solution to restore the surface of your tooth back to a natural and healthy finish.
Our amazing team at DC Dental Spa are proficient with our deliberate checkups and reviewing issues like dental crowns and their application. Our advanced dental technology in the clinic and the friendly atmosphere will help us evaluate any problems we might encounter. Call 202-333-9282 for an initial consultation and let us help begin a preventive oral hygiene program that possibly includes a dental crown that returns your healthy smile.
What Is A Dental Crown?
When we examine the ‘crowns’ of your teeth, we are referring to the exposed part of your tooth that shows over the gum-line. When this part is damaged, a dental crown is then a covering that will sit directly on top of the tooth to help protect the remaining natural tooth structure. Crowns are shaded to the color of your existing teeth and can be constructed using a variety of materials such as porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metal.
We recommend placing a dental crown if your tooth is damaged by cracking, decay, or a significant fracture. Crowns will be used to improve the look of an unsightly tooth or protect weak areas on the surface of the tooth.
Long Lasting
The life expectancy of a dental crown can be based on a few different variables. If you are taking care of your teeth by practicing a good oral hygiene routine and brushing twice daily and staying away from foods that tend to crack the surface of teeth, your crown could last several decades. The average life expectancy is between 5-15 years, but some dental crowns have been known to last up to 30 years with proper care.
Dental Crown Side Effects
Although very minimal, immediately after the placement of your crown, you may experience slight sensitivity in your teeth or your gums. This reaction is common and can be controlled by using over-the-counter pain relievers or by a prescription medication. There are also various rinses and pastes available to ease the discomfort of oral sensitivity.
Future Risks
When you have a dental crown placed, it is extremely important to continue to practice good oral hygiene daily. This prevent decays and bacterial infections that can occur under the surface. Since the crown is designed to replicate your natural tooth, there is always the possibility of cracking, fracturing, and chipping if you are eating or chewing on hard foods.
Dental Crown Process
Before we can place your dental crown, X-rays are necessary to determine if the tooth to address has any damage below the gum line. If both the roots and gums are stable, we will remove any decayed areas of the tooth before reshaping it to prepare for the fitting of the crown.
Next, an impression of the tooth will be made as a tool for the dental lab to fabricate your dental crown, a process usually taking about two to three weeks to complete. If necessary, we can place a temporary crown, typically made from acrylic, to protect the reshaped tooth from further damage.
When your new crown is finished at the lab, we will schedule a final appointment for the removal of the temporary crown and placement of the final crown. We may suggest administering a local anesthetic, so you are comfortable during the procedure. Once we together approve the color and shape of the crown, it is cemented into place, and you are good to go with your new smile.
Dental Crowns Vs. Veneers
When we discuss your dental options, you may be questioning what procedure is best for your particular situation. If you have previously compared the options of crowns and veneers, it is important to note that these procedures differ in functionality, placement, and purpose.
Veneers: Veneers are wafer-thin shells, typically made of porcelain, that cover just the front surface of your teeth to alter their color, size, and shape. They can hide cracks, chips, and signs of discoloration. They mostly serve as a cosmetic option rather than a restorative procedure.
Crowns: If you need a dental crown typically you are interested in restoring both the appearance and the functionality of their teeth. The single biggest difference is that crowns cover the entire surface of the tooth above the gum line, allowing for more effective chewing and biting when eating. The dental crown does have cosmetic benefits, but the primary purpose is focused on the repair of damaged and/or decayed teeth.
It is always best to discuss multiple treatment options with us to ensure we are choosing the correct procedure for your dental concern.
Costs Associated with Dental Crowns
The cost of a dental crown, much like most dental procedures, differs based on your circumstances and your insurance coverage. The cost of the treatment will also vary based on the material used to fabricate your crown. Before visiting us, it would be helpful to check with your insurance company to review your coverage for crowns.
Knowing this information before going into your appointment will help us determine what crown will fit best for your circumstance. You can also discuss financing options with us if you are interested in a crown that is not covered or only partially covered by your insurance plan.
High Quality Care You Can Trust
At DC Dental Spa our downtown office will work with you to accommodate your busy schedule. Our entire staff shares in the gratification in developing strong and lasting relationships with each of our patients. We enjoy the trust that our patients continue to place in us. We are very deliberate and thoughtful about exercising preventative overall dental health and delivering the enjoyment that comes with your healthy smile. Visit us today at DC Dental Spa, 730 24th St. NW, Suite 9, Washington, DC, 20037, or call 202-333-9282 for an evaluation and consultation regarding a possible dental crown and to address the future of your healthy and bright smile.
