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A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth that needs to be strengthened and protected. It is custom-made to perfectly fit your mouth and blend in with your smile. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance when the tooth has been damaged by an injury or tooth decay. A crown can fully cover a damaged tooth or it can be attached to an implant to replace a tooth that is missing.

How Are Dental Crowns Placed?

The dental crown procedure usually takes two visits to complete. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing some of its outer portion and any decay. Then, an impression of the tooth will be made using a moldable paste. This impression is used to manufacture the crown in a dental lab. 

In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed until the permanent one is ready. In this case, the temporary crown is typically placed on the tooth with a dental adhesive that will wear off within several days. Once the permanent crown is ready, the temporary one is taken off, and the permanent one is cemented in its place.

Before leaving, the patient will be given instructions on caring for the temporary dental crown, such as avoiding certain foods and practices that may damage it.

During the second appointment, the permanent dental crown will be tried in to see if it fits properly. If needed, the dentist will trim it down slightly to provide a perfect fit. When the patient is satisfied with the fit, the crown is cemented over the tooth. 

What Are the Advantages of Dental Crowns?

• A crown can be placed over a damaged, discolored, or misshapen tooth in order to improve its appearance and function.
• Dental crowns also restore a tooth after the root has been removed due to decay or other damage.
• Dental crowns are a durable and long-lasting option to restore a tooth's function and aesthetic appearance.
• Dental crowns can also be used to secure fixed bridges or as part of implant restorations.
• Crowns can be made from tooth-colored materials, making them quite appealing and indistinguishable from natural teeth.

For more information, contact our Alexandria dental office at (703) 823-2848 or 5130 Duke St, Suite 8, Alexandria, VA 22304, or our Manassas dental office at (703) 479-7654 or 8608 Centreville Rd, Manassas, VA 20110.