Dr. Joseph A. Catanzano III, DDS, offers dental crowns in Washington, D.C. This restorative dentistry option benefits patients with missing, discolored, or weakened teeth. Dental crowns can stabilize your dental health and provide a natural-looking result. With proper dental care, dental crowns can last patients for up to 15 years. Washington DC dentist Dr. Joseph Catanzano places dental crowns to address your unique needs in the comfort of our office.
If you have missing teeth, broken or chipped teeth, or large dental fillings, you could be a good candidate for dental crowns. However, patients who grind or clench their teeth should receive bruxism treatment before receiving dental crowns.
Why Receive a Dental Crown in Washington, D.C.?
They Provide Cosmetic Benefits
Dental crowns are ideal because they take care of a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental problems. Discolored teeth are one of the most common cosmetic dental concerns patients have. Traditionally, professional teeth whitening treats discolored teeth. But not all discoloration responds to these traditional methods. Discoloration caused by medications or trauma needs another solution. Dental crowns cover the entire discolored tooth, and we color-match them to the shade of white you desire.
Misshapen or disfigured teeth can be a cosmetic issue as well as a restorative problem. Depending on the defect and where the tooth is located in your mouth, it can impact your ability to speak or eat properly. We shape each dental crown so that it blends in with your natural teeth. It’s also designed to look like a normal tooth, obscuring the disfigured one and giving you back full functionality.
They Strengthen and Stabilize Natural Teeth
One of the most common uses for a dental crown is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. During a root canal procedure, we remove infected dental pulp from inside the tooth. We then fill it with a biocompatible material and seal it off from infection and bacteria. However, sometimes this doesn’t fully restore the tooth. A dental crown provides another layer of protection against bacteria and also ensures that you get back the full functionality of your tooth.
When you have a dental bridge, two natural teeth anchor it on either side of the restoration. The bridge puts a lot of stress and strain on these anchor teeth. They wear down faster than normal teeth and are more likely to succumb to tooth decay or break. Placing dental crowns on each of the anchor teeth means that the restoration is taking on the stress of the bridge instead of the natural teeth. This protects them from the negative effects.
We practice conservative dentistry in our office, and we strive to save the tooth root whenever possible. Dental crowns are the last hope for teeth that are severely decayed or damaged. They hold together the pieces of the tooth and allow you to keep your tooth root and the benefits that come with it. However, if the tooth is too damaged even for a crown, tooth extraction may be needed to maintain your oral health.
They’re the Best Final Restoration for a Dental Implant
Dental crowns are the top choice to finish a dental implant restoration. A dental implant topped with a crown is the most natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement option. We custom-make each dental crown so that it matches the shape, size, and shade of the rest of your smile. The implant replaces the tooth root so that you get full functionality back in your tooth as well. It’s hard to tell that it’s not a natural tooth.
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 are 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 are durable and blend in with teeth.
Dental Crown Treatment
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 will 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
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?
Dental crowns can last a long time as long as they’re taken care of properly. 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?
Any new restoration is going to take some time to get used to. When you first get your dental crown, it’s going to feel big and unwieldy on your tooth. It takes about two weeks to fully get used to your dental crown. Once you’re used to it, it’ll start to feel like one of your natural teeth.
How do I take care of a dental crown?
Taking care of a dental crown is easy. You simply brush and floss like you would your normal teeth. Have regular dental visits so that the dentist can ensure that everything is healthy and normal with the crown. You do want to get specific dental products so that you don’t damage the crown. Non-abrasive toothpaste and soft toothbrushes help you avoid scratching the surface of your dental crown.
Can I get a cavity in a dental crown?
No, the dental crown itself isn’t susceptible to tooth decay. But it’s important to remember that you still have a natural 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.
Contact Our Dentist Office to Request a Dental Exam
You can call Foxhall Smiles today at 202-315-2188 or request an appointment with Dr. Catanzano and his dental care team online anytime.