DENTAL CROWN

Dr. Neil L Starr

A crown is a covering that will wrap and protect the entire surface of a tooth, allowing it to look and function just like the original tooth. Crowns work to strengthen the tooth while protecting the existing structure, extending the life of the tooth longer than it would be with a filling or another restoration.

REASONS FOR CHOOSING A DENTAL CROWN

Dental crowns can correct a variety of problems that you might be experiencing with your teeth:
  • Fractured or broken teeth
  • Severely decayed teeth
  • Cosmetic imperfections
  • Fractured fillings
  • Tooth protection needed after a root canal

TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS

There are a number of dental materials available to fabricate dental crowns and we’ll help you choose the right one for your mouth:
Porcelain Fused to Metal:

This type of crown will feature a metal base with porcelain attached to the outside, making the restoration more attractive than an entirely metal option. If you want the durability of a gold crown but want your tooth to look as natural as possible, this has been a good option. Some risk does still exist regarding fractures, but in the event of a chip or break, it is usually the outer porcelain portion that is damaged and it may be repaired chairside.

In the last fifteen years the all ceramic crown has largely replaced the ceramometal crown as ceramic CAD-CAM milling technology and adhesive dental bonding technology has so improved.

All Ceramic Crowns:

There are two types of ceramic crowns that we will utilize for patients’ tooth or implant supported crowns – Lithium Disilicate Crowns (‘particle-filled ceramics’) and Zirconia (‘polycrystalline ceramic’).

They are most similar to your natural teeth and allow the surrounding tissues to quickly adapt to these restorations. The studies even support the fact that they attract less plaque buildup than other restorative materials.

These are the most popular dental crowns in most dental practices today. All ceramic crowns are the most aesthetically pleasing options and are recommended for both front teeth and back teeth.

Both ceramic materials are exceedingly strong and resistant to biting forces and both may be cemented or adhesively bonded to the underlying tooth’s structure.

THE DENTAL CROWN PROCEDURE

If you’ll be getting a dental crown, you can plan on having two appointments to complete the process. At your first visit, the tooth will be prepared by removing decay, and the surface will be shaped so it can fit the crown. We will take impressions of your teeth so your customized crown can be created, and you’ll likely wear a temporary restoration while we wait for your crown to be finished.

At your follow-up appointment, we’ll take off your temporary crown and will carefully place the permanent one in place. We’ll also ensure proper bite and spacing.

After your appointment, we’ll encourage you to follow up with us regularly. While proper oral hygiene is essential, you’ll also need regular dental care to ensure that your crown is in the best possible shape.

Call us at (202) 293-7177 to schedule your visit with us.