Dental crowns can serve restorative and cosmetic purposes and play a key role in the long-term maintenance of your smile. They are caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth. They are designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, and function. Slate Dental serves patients in and around Washington, DC, and offers different types of dental crowns to meet your specific needs. We also provide additional restorative dentistry treatments to patients in the D.C. area.
Dental Crowns in Washington, DC
A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It provides protection and improves the tooth’s appearance. There are various types, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Each has different benefits and uses.
Different materials are used based on the location of the tooth and your personal preferences.
- Porcelain: Porcelain crowns look very natural and are often used for front teeth.
- Ceramic: Ceramic crowns are also aesthetically pleasing and can be used for front or back teeth.
- Metal: Metal crowns are durable and are usually placed on back teeth.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: These crowns combine the benefits of metal strength and porcelain aesthetics.
Dental crowns are necessary for several reasons. They address decay, damage, and aesthetic concerns while also restoring the tooth’s function. When a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, a dental crown can restore its structure and strength. Crowns help you chew and speak properly by restoring the tooth’s function. Dental crowns also improve the overall look of your teeth. If you have discolored or misshapen teeth, crowns can enhance your smile.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous advantages. They strengthen weak teeth, protect you from further damage, and enhance your smile.
- Strengthening Weak Teeth: Crowns add support and durability to weakened teeth.
- Protection from Further Damage: A crown acts as a shield, protecting the underlying tooth from harm.
- Enhancing Smile: They improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you a confident smile.
What to Expect with Dental Crowns
The process involves a few steps. It starts with a consultation and ends with the placement of the final crown.
- Consultation and Examination: During your first visit, Dr. John Slate will examine your teeth and take X-rays. This helps in planning the treatment. We will also take diagnostic impressions to prepare your teeth for the next step.
- Tooth Preparation: The tooth is then reshaped to fit the crown. This may involve removing some of the tooth structure. Then, we will take more impressions to create a temporary crown.
- Impressions: Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a model. This model is used to fabricate your custom crown.
- Temporary Crown Placement: A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
Potential Risks and Complications
While generally safe, there are some risks and complications associated with dental crowns. Although rare, some materials may cause allergic reactions. Additionally, some may experience sensitivity to hot or cold after getting a crown. Some patients may also feel discomfort or irritation around the crowned tooth.
Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost varies based on several factors, including the material used and the complexity of the procedure. The type of material, the location of the tooth, and additional procedures all influence the cost. Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of crowns. Check with your insurance provider for details.