Dental crowns are a great way to fix a variety of dental problems. They act like a “cap” for damaged, decayed, or badly discolored teeth. Woodbridge dentist Dr. Joseph Cavallo also recommends a dental crown after root canal therapy to save natural teeth and support long-term oral health. Dental crowns are one of the many restorative treatments we offer at our dental office in Woodbridge, Virginia.
What Do Dental Crowns Treat?
We can provide you with a dental crown in our Woodbridge, VA, dental office for many reasons. Crowns can:
- Protect From Tooth Decay: If a tooth has a cavity too large for a regular filling, we may recommend a crown. Covering a large filling with a crown can provide it with strength and protection. The crown prevents further damage to the tooth. Teeth that have had root canal therapy are often fragile. A crown adds strength and protection to prevent the tooth from breaking.
- Cover Cracked, Worn, or Broken Teeth: Crowns can hold a cracked tooth together. They can also restore broken teeth. Crowns keep your tooth stable and reduce pain when chewing. Teeth worn down from grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion can become weak and sensitive. A crown can rebuild and protect these teeth.
- Cover Discolored or Misshapen Teeth: You can get a crown you have a stained tooth or a tooth that doesn’t match the rest of your teeth. A crown can improve its appearance by covering the tooth completely.
- Complete Restorations: Crowns can anchor a traditional dental bridge in place. They hold the bridge securely by attaching to the natural teeth on either side of a gap. A crown is the visible part of a dental implant. When you replace a missing tooth with an implant, we’ll attach a crown.
Types of Dental Crowns
Tooth crowns use different materials, like metal, porcelain, composite, or a mix of these. The right material for you depends on your specific needs. Dr. Cavallo will help you pick the best option.
- Zirconia Crowns: These crowns are made from a very strong, durable type of ceramic. They’re tooth-colored and can be matched to your natural teeth, making them ideal for both front and back teeth. Zirconia crowns are highly resistant to cracking or chipping, and they can last many years with proper care.
- Gold Crowns: Gold crowns are made from a mixture of gold and other metals. They are extremely durable and long-lasting, often lasting decades without wearing down. Gold crowns are gentle on opposing teeth and are usually recommended for back teeth where strength is more important than appearance.
- Metal Crowns: Metal crowns can be made from other metals besides gold, such as nickel or chromium. They’re very strong and a good choice for molars that handle a lot of chewing pressure. Metal crowns are less likely to break or wear down, but are more noticeable.
- Ceramic Crowns: Ceramic crowns are made entirely of a strong, tooth-colored material. They look very natural and are ideal for front teeth where appearance is important. Ceramic crowns can be matched to your natural tooth shade and are also resistant to staining.
- Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns are another tooth-colored option that offers excellent aesthetics. They can closely match the color, shape, and translucency of natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are often used for visible teeth to create a seamless, natural-looking smile.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain. The metal provides a strong base, while the porcelain coating matches your tooth color. PFM crowns are durable and look natural, making them a popular choice for both front and back teeth.
Our office recommends tooth-colored crowns that blend with your smile. Dr. Cavallo works with his local dental lab to craft custom porcelain crowns.
Dental Crown Treatment in Woodbridge, VA
Getting a dental crown at our office is a simple and comfortable process. We’ll guide you through each step to make sure you feel at ease and know what to expect.
Consultation and Exam
First, you’ll meet with our dentist for a consultation. We’ll examine your tooth, take X-rays if needed, and discuss your dental concerns. If a crown is the best option, we’ll explain the process and answer any questions you have.
Preparing Your Tooth
To make room for the crown, we’ll gently remove any damaged or decayed parts of your tooth. We’ll then shape the tooth so the crown will fit properly. If a large part of your tooth is missing, we might need to build it up with a filling material to support the crown.
Taking Impressions
Next, we’ll take impressions of your tooth. These impressions help us create a custom crown that fits perfectly with your natural bite. While your permanent crown is being made in a dental lab, we’ll place a temporary crown on your tooth to protect it.
Fitting Your Permanent Crown
When your permanent crown is ready (usually in a couple of weeks), you’ll return to our office. We’ll remove the temporary crown and carefully fit the new crown onto your tooth. Our dentist will check the fit, color, and bite, making any adjustments if needed. Once everything looks and feels right, we’ll cement the crown in place.
Final Check and Care Instructions
Before you leave, we’ll make sure your crown is secure and comfortable. We’ll also give you tips on how to care for your new crown to keep it looking great and lasting as long as possible. Dental crowns are long-lasting when you practice good oral hygiene and keep up with your dental check-ups.
How to Care for Dental Crowns
Taking care of your dental crown keeps it looking great and ensures it lasts as long as possible. Proper care also helps maintain your overall oral health. Here are some easy tips to keep your crown in top shape.
Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing your teeth twice a day is key to keeping your crown clean and free of plaque. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently brush all sides of your teeth, including the crowned tooth. Flossing is just as essential! Floss around your crown daily to remove food particles and plaque that can build up between your teeth and gums.
Be careful when flossing near your crown. Instead of pulling the floss straight up, which could loosen the crown, slide the floss out gently. This simple step helps protect your crown while keeping your gums healthy.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Certain foods can damage or loosen your dental crown. Hard foods like ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels can crack or break your crown. Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, or chewing gum can pull on the crown, potentially causing it to come loose. It’s best to avoid these types of foods or be extra cautious when eating them.
Use a Nightguard if Needed
If you grind your teeth while you sleep (a condition called bruxism), it can put a lot of pressure on your crown and natural teeth. Wearing a custom nightguard can protect your crown and prevent damage. Talk to our dentist if you think you might need a nightguard.
Visit Our Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings keep your crown in good condition. During these visits, Dr. Cavallo will check the crown for any signs of wear, damage, or other issues. They can also make sure the crown is still fitting properly and address any concerns you may have.
Watch for Problems
Pay attention to how your crown feels. If it feels loose, if you experience any discomfort, or if you notice visible cracks or damage, contact us right away. Getting help early can prevent more serious problems and keep your smile healthy.
Why Choose Dr. Cavallo?
Dr. Joseph Cavallo brings extensive experience in restorative dentistry. He’s an alumnus of the L.D. Pankey Institute and the Dawson Center for Advanced Education, two of the most respected programs in advanced dental care.
Through this training, Dr. Cavallo has mastered the skills needed to restore damaged, decayed, or worn teeth with precision and artistry. His expertise ensures that every crown not only strengthens and protects the tooth but also looks natural and blends seamlessly. You can trust that your crowns are placed with both long-term function and aesthetic results in mind.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Our Woodbridge dental office focuses on creating healthy and beautiful smiles with complete dental care. Dr. Cavallo is a dedicated, experienced dentist who can help you improve your smile.
To learn more about your treatment options, schedule an appointment online. You can also call us to get a dental crown in Woodbridge, VA, at 571-520-9306 today.