Dr. Joseph A. Catanzano III, DDS, offers dental crowns in Washington, D.C. This restorative dental treatment benefits patients with missing, discolored, or weakened teeth. Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that cover and protect your teeth for 10 to 15 years or more. Washington, D.C. dentist Dr. Joseph Catanzano places dental crowns to address your unique needs in the comfort of our office.
Why Receive a Dental Crown in Washington, D.C.?
Dental crowns are ideal because they take care of a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental problems.
- Cover Discolored Teeth: Teeth whitening does not work on all stains. Crowns cover teeth discolored by medications or trauma. Dr. Catanzano color-matches each crown to the shade you want.
- Fix Misshapen Teeth: Teeth that are the wrong shape can affect how you eat and speak. Crowns restore the proper shape and give you full function again.
- Protect Teeth After a Root Canal: Root canal therapy removes infected tissue from inside your tooth. A crown adds another layer of protection and helps your tooth work like new again. Crowns are often the last chance to save a badly damaged tooth.
- Support a Dental Bridge: A bridge puts stress on the natural teeth that hold it in place. Crowns on those anchor teeth take the stress instead, helping your healthy teeth last longer.
- Complete a Dental Implant: A dental implant topped with a crown looks and feels just like a real tooth. The crown is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural smile.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be fabricated out of a variety of materials, including:
- Stainless steel: Patients of all ages can benefit from this economical option. Stainless steel rarely chips or breaks.
- Porcelain Ceramic: For an aesthetically pleasing look, patients can benefit from reflective porcelain dental crowns. This option is also great for patients with metal allergies.
- Zirconium: This option provides a crystalline look and is not susceptible to cracking.
- Gold and Metal Alloy: Metal is strong against wear and can take pressure from biting and chewing. Metal crowns are also great for molars as they’re in the back of the mouth and not as noticeable.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal: This option provides all of the benefits of porcelain and metal crowns. They’re durable and blend in with teeth.
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Dental Crown Treatment At Foxhall Smiles
To begin treatment, Dr. Catanzano will remove a bit of the tooth’s structure to ensure that the dental crown will fit securely. Then, he’ll take a dental mold of the tooth. Several weeks after the dental impressions are made, the permanent crown will be ready. The dental crown that you receive may be color-matched to teeth, depending on whether you chose a restoration with metal, porcelain, ceramic, or another type of material.
Dr. Catanzano may place a temporary restoration while you’re waiting for the final crown to be crafted. When it’s ready, the dentist will place the crown on the prepared tooth and ensure that it’s a perfect fit. When you’re satisfied, he permanently cements the dental crown onto your tooth.
Dental Crown FAQs
Do you have more questions about crown treatment? Read answers to common questions about dental crowns in Washington, DC.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
No, the dental crown process isn’t painful. We numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic before preparing it. We want to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the entire procedure. The only thing you may feel is slight sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. Removing tooth structure exposes more of your tooth.
How long does a dental crown last?
With good oral hygiene practices, crowns can last up to 15 years or more. Every patient is different, and the time can vary.
How long does it take for a dental crown to settle?
Dental patient before and after getting a dental crown for a dead tooth.
It takes about two weeks to get used to a new crown. It may feel big at first, but soon it will feel like a natural part of your mouth.
How do I take care of a dental crown?
Taking care of a dental crown is easy. Follow these tips to maintain your crown:
- Brush and floss like you would your normal teeth.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste and soft-bristled brushes
- Make regular dental visits
Can I get a cavity in a dental crown?
No, the dental crown itself isn’t susceptible to tooth decay. But you can still develop a cavity in the tooth under the crown. If the crown doesn’t fit properly or you don’t take care of it in the way you should, debris and bacteria can get under the crown. This can allow the tooth to decay underneath the cap, compromising the fit and your oral health.
Am I a good candidate for a dental crown?
Most patients are eligible to get a dental crown. However, there are circumstances where a dental crown isn’t going to take care of the problem. If teeth are too damaged or decayed, we’ll have to extract the tooth for the sake of your oral health.
Request a Dental Exam Today
You can call Foxhall Smiles today at 202-315-2188 or request an appointment with Dr. Catanzano and his dental care team online anytime.