Are you looking to get dental crowns in Fairfax, VA? Dental crowns are protective caps that cover damaged teeth to restore their function, shape, and appearance. At Fairfax Family Dental Care, our dentists create custom-crafted dental crowns to repair teeth affected by large cavities, chips, breaks, or weakening. Dental crowns not only fix existing damage but also help prevent future problems by strengthening vulnerable teeth.
The crown procedure typically takes two to three visits to complete at our Fairfax, VA office. During your first appointment, we prepare the tooth to receive its new crown, ensuring a perfect fit that feels natural in your mouth. Crowns can address both functional and cosmetic concerns, including enhancing undersized or misshapen teeth.
- Dental crowns repair damaged teeth and prevent future damage by covering and protecting the entire tooth surface.
- The crown procedure usually requires 2-3 visits to our Fairfax dental office for preparation, fitting, and placement.
- Professional dental crowns can last many years with proper care and regular dental check-ups.
Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are protective caps that completely cover damaged teeth to restore strength and appearance. They’re one of the most common restorative procedures we perform at our Fairfax dental practice.
Types of Dental Crowns
Several crown materials are available to meet different needs. Porcelain crowns offer the most natural appearance, closely matching your tooth color. They’re ideal for front teeth where aesthetics matter most.
Metal crowns (gold or other alloys) provide exceptional durability for back teeth where strength is crucial. These crowns withstand biting forces well and rarely chip or break.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine strength and appearance. They have a metal core with porcelain coating, making them versatile for any location.
CEREC crowns deserve special mention. Using advanced technology, we can create custom ceramic crowns in just one visit. This eliminates the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments.
When Is a Crown Needed?
Crowns are necessary when a tooth has significant damage that can’t be fixed with a filling. Large cavities that have weakened the tooth structure often require crowns to prevent further breakdown.
Cracked or fractured teeth benefit from crowns to hold the pieces together and prevent further damage. Without a crown, these teeth may split completely.
After root canal therapy, we typically recommend a crown to protect the treated tooth. Root canal treated teeth become brittle over time and need the extra protection.
Severely worn or misshapen teeth can be restored with crowns to improve both function and appearance. Crowns are also used to anchor dental bridges or top dental implants.
Initial Consultation in Fairfax, VA
Finding the right dentist in Fairfax for your dental crown procedure starts with a thorough initial consultation. The first visit allows your dentist to evaluate your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Choosing the Right Dentist
When selecting a dental provider in Fairfax for your crown procedure, consider experience and specialization. Look for dentists who have been providing crown restorations for several years, like those with 30+ years of experience mentioned in local dental practices.
Check online reviews and ask friends for recommendations about Fairfax dental offices. Many qualified crown specialists are located throughout Fairfax, including offices on Fairfax Corner Avenue West.
Make sure the dentist accepts your insurance and offers convenient appointment times. During your search, don’t hesitate to call offices like our practice at Fairfax Family Dental Care to ask specific questions about their crown procedures and materials.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your first consultation at our Fairfax office typically includes a comprehensive examination of the tooth needing restoration. We’ll take x-rays to assess the tooth’s condition and determine if a crown is the appropriate treatment.
Our dentist will discuss:
- The reason you need a crown
- Different crown material options
- The expected timeline (usually two visits)
- Cost estimates and insurance coverage
We’ll answer all your questions about the procedure, recovery, and maintenance. During this visit, we may take impressions of your teeth to prepare for crown fabrication.
If you’re experiencing pain, we’ll address it immediately. Remember to bring your dental insurance information and a list of any medications you’re currently taking to this initial appointment.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown typically involves multiple steps designed to restore your tooth. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to ensure a perfect fit and natural appearance.
Preparing Your Tooth
First, we examine your tooth to determine if a crown is the best solution. If you have extensive decay, we may need to perform a root canal treatment before placing a crown. This ensures the tooth is healthy beneath the crown.
Next, we reshape your tooth by carefully removing a small amount of the outer layer. This creates space for the crown to fit perfectly without feeling bulky. We take precise measurements during this step to ensure your bite remains comfortable.
Local anesthesia makes this process painless. After reshaping, we take detailed impressions of your tooth. These impressions serve as the blueprint for creating your custom crown.
Creating Your Custom Crown
Traditional crown procedures require two visits. After your first appointment, we send your impressions to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians craft your permanent crown. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
During this waiting period, we place a temporary crown over your prepared tooth. This protects your tooth and maintains your smile’s appearance. While temporary crowns are functional, they’re not designed for long-term use.
Some Fairfax dental offices offer same-day crowns using CEREC® technology. This advanced system allows us to design, mill, and place your permanent crown in a single visit, eliminating the need for a temporary crown.
Fitting the Crown
When your permanent crown is ready, we remove the temporary crown and check the fit of your new dental restoration. We carefully examine how the crown sits against neighboring teeth and how it affects your bite.
Minor adjustments may be necessary to ensure proper fit and comfort. We check for:
- Proper alignment with adjacent teeth
- Comfortable bite when you close your mouth
- Natural appearance that blends with your smile
Once we confirm the perfect fit, we permanently bond the crown to your tooth using strong dental cement. The result is a fully restored tooth that looks natural and functions just like your original tooth.
Regular brushing and flossing help maintain your crown’s longevity. With proper care, most dental crowns last 10-15 years or longer.
Caring for Your Dental Crowns
Dental crowns require proper maintenance to ensure they last for many years. With the right care, your crown can maintain its appearance and function just like your natural teeth.
Daily Maintenance
Brush your crowns twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Clean all surfaces thoroughly, just as you would with natural teeth. Gentle brushing helps prevent damage to the crown material while still removing plaque buildup.
Floss daily around your crowned tooth. Use a careful back-and-forth motion rather than snapping the floss down, which could damage the crown edges. Consider using floss threaders or water flossers if traditional flossing is difficult around your crown.
Avoid habits that can damage crowns:
- Don’t chew ice, hard candies, or other very hard foods
- Avoid using teeth as tools to open packages
- Limit sticky foods that might pull at the crown
For patients who grind their teeth at night, we recommend wearing a nightguard to protect both natural teeth and crowns from excessive pressure.
Regular Checkups and Cleaning
Visit our Fairfax dental office every six months for professional cleaning and examination. During these visits, we check the condition of your crown, looking for signs of wear or damage that might need attention.
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing might miss, especially around crown margins where they meet the gumline. This helps prevent decay that could develop under or around the crown.
X-rays may be taken periodically to check for issues underneath the crown that aren’t visible during a regular exam. We can identify potential problems early before they require major treatment.
If you notice any changes with your crown, such as pain, sensitivity, or a loose feeling, contact us right away rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit.
Potential Complications and Solutions
While dental crowns are generally successful, some patients may experience complications after placement. Knowing what problems might occur and how to address them helps ensure your crown provides lasting protection for your tooth.
Crown Discomfort or Sensitivity
Some patients experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after getting a new crown. This discomfort typically disappears within a few weeks as your tooth adjusts to the restoration. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help manage this temporary issue.
If pain persists beyond several weeks, it might indicate a more serious problem. The crown may be positioned too high, causing pain when you bite down. In such cases, a simple adjustment at our Fairfax office can resolve the issue.
Severe or throbbing pain could signal tooth decay beneath the crown or damage to the tooth’s nerve. This might require root canal therapy to save the tooth and eliminate pain. We can determine the appropriate treatment during an examination.
Crown Damage or Loss
Crowns can become loose, cracked, or even fall out completely. Poor fit, improper bonding technique, or decay forming under the margins are common causes. If your crown feels loose, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and contact us immediately.
What to do if your crown falls out:
- Keep the crown in a safe place
- Avoid chewing on the exposed tooth
- Call our Fairfax office for an emergency appointment
- Use dental cement from a pharmacy as a temporary solution if needed
Tooth decay can develop where the crown meets your gumline if plaque builds up in this area. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene helps prevent this complication. Brush twice daily, floss carefully around the crown, and attend regular checkups.
We can often recement a crown that has fallen out if the underlying tooth remains intact and free from decay.
Comparing Dental Crowns with Other Restorations
Dental restorations come in several forms, each designed to address specific dental issues. The choice between crowns, fillings, bridges, and implants depends on the extent of damage and the specific needs of each patient.
Crowns vs. Fillings
Dental crowns cover the entire visible portion of a tooth, while fillings only replace a portion of decayed or damaged tooth structure. Fillings work best for smaller areas of decay that haven’t compromised the tooth’s structural integrity. They’re less invasive and more affordable than crowns.
Tooth-colored fillings blend with your natural teeth and are ideal for visible areas. Amalgam fillings (silver) offer durability for back teeth but are more noticeable.
Crowns are necessary when:
- A tooth is cracked or severely worn
- A large filling is failing
- A tooth has undergone root canal therapy
- Significant decay has weakened the tooth
Crowns provide complete protection and can last 15+ years with proper care, while fillings typically last 5-10 years.
Crowns vs. Bridges and Implants
When comparing prosthetic options for missing teeth, crowns, bridges, and implants serve different purposes.
Dental crowns are used on existing teeth or as the visible portion of implants. They restore function and appearance of damaged teeth but can’t replace missing teeth on their own.
Fixed bridges use crowns on adjacent teeth to support an artificial tooth (pontic) that fills the gap. Bridges are more affordable than implants but require healthy adjacent teeth.
Dental implants provide the most natural replacement option. They consist of a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone with a crown attached on top. Implants prevent bone loss and don’t affect neighboring teeth.
Unlike removable dentures, both bridges and implant-supported crowns are permanent fixtures that look and function like natural teeth.
Advancements in Dental Crown Technology
Modern dental technology has revolutionized how we create and place dental crowns. These innovations make the crown process faster, more comfortable, and produce results that look more natural than ever before.
Same-Day Crown Technology
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology has transformed the dental crown experience in Fairfax. This advanced system allows us to design, create, and place custom crowns in just one appointment, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and follow-up visits.
Using digital scanning equipment, we capture precise 3D images of your tooth. This replaces the traditional uncomfortable impression process many patients dislike.
The CEREC system then mills your custom crown from high-quality ceramic porcelain while you wait. These materials closely mimic natural teeth in both appearance and function.
At Fairfax Family Dental Care, we use this technology to craft restorations that seamlessly integrate with your smile. The porcelain material reflects light similarly to natural teeth, making same-day crowns virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth.
Same-day crowns provide both convenience and quality without compromising the durability or aesthetic appeal of your dental restoration.
Investing in Your Smile: Costs and Financing
Dental crowns in Fairfax typically range from $800 to $1,500 per tooth. The exact cost depends on the material used and the complexity of your case. Porcelain crowns, which look most like natural teeth, tend to be at the higher end of this range.
We understand that dental work can be a significant investment. That’s why we offer several payment options to make dental crowns more affordable for our patients.
For those without insurance, our in-house Wellness Plan provides a way to save on treatments like crowns and teeth whitening. This plan is designed specifically to help patients manage their dental care costs.
We also accept CareCredit, which offers low-interest financing for dental procedures. This option allows you to spread payments over time, often with 0% interest plans for qualified applicants.
Some patients may require additional treatments alongside their crown. For instance, if you’ve experienced tooth loss, a dental implant with a crown can provide a permanent solution.
Many dental insurance plans cover crowns at least partially, especially when they’re needed for structural reasons rather than purely cosmetic purposes. We’ll help you understand what your insurance covers before treatment begins.
Remember that investing in a quality crown today can help prevent more expensive dental problems in the future. Protecting a damaged tooth with a crown can prevent tooth loss and the need for more extensive treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns are a common restorative solution for damaged teeth, but many patients have questions about costs, materials, longevity, and insurance coverage. Understanding these key aspects helps you make informed decisions about your dental health.
How does the material of a tooth crown impact its price?
Crown materials significantly affect pricing. Metal crowns (gold or other alloys) are typically more expensive due to material costs but offer exceptional durability.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns provide a balance of strength and aesthetics at a mid-range price point. They look natural but may show a metal line near the gumline.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns offer the most natural appearance and are ideal for front teeth. These typically cost more than metal options but provide superior cosmetic results.
What is the typical lifespan of a dental crown?
With proper care, dental crowns can last 10-15 years on average. Some high-quality crowns, particularly gold crowns, may last 20+ years.
Daily oral hygiene practices significantly impact crown longevity. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings help prevent decay around crown margins.
Avoiding habits like grinding teeth, chewing ice, or using teeth as tools will extend your crown's lifespan. Night guards may be recommended for patients with grinding habits.
Can dental insurance cover the cost of crowns?
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for crowns when they're medically necessary. Coverage typically ranges from 50-70% of the procedure cost.
Insurance plans often have waiting periods, annual maximums, and deductibles that affect your out-of-pocket expenses. We recommend verifying your specific benefits before treatment.
Pre-authorization may be required by some insurance providers. Our office staff can help submit the necessary documentation to maximize your benefits.
Are there financing options available for dental crown procedures?
We offer several financing options to make dental crowns more affordable. Payment plans allow you to split the total cost into manageable monthly payments.
CareCredit and other healthcare credit cards specifically designed for dental treatments are accepted at our office. These often feature interest-free periods for qualified patients.
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can be used for dental crown procedures, providing tax advantages while covering your dental expenses.
What are the signs that a tooth may require a crown?
Severe tooth pain when biting or chewing often indicates structural damage that may require a crown. This pain typically worsens with pressure or temperature changes.
Visible cracks, chips, or extensive decay suggest weakened tooth structure. When damage affects more than half the tooth width, crowns provide better protection than fillings.
A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy usually needs a crown for protection. Without a crown, these teeth become brittle and susceptible to fractures over time.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns in Fairfax, VA offer a reliable solution for damaged teeth. We’ve seen how these custom-made caps protect weakened teeth and restore smiles throughout our community.
When searching for crown services, choose a reputable dental office like Fairfax Family Dental Care or Progressive Dental Care. These providers specialize in meticulously crafted dental crowns designed to prevent future damage.
Remember that loose crowns should be addressed promptly. If you notice any movement in your crown, contact a dental professional in the Fairfax area immediately.
Crowns aren’t just functional—they’re also cosmetic. They can correct misshapen, chipped, or broken teeth, giving you a smile you’ll love to show off.
Regular check-ups help ensure your crown stays in good condition. We recommend maintaining your normal oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist regularly.
With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years. The investment in your oral health pays dividends through improved function, appearance, and confidence.
Call to Action
Ready to restore your smile with a dental crown? Contact one of Fairfax’s trusted dental practices today to schedule your consultation.
We offer comprehensive crown services to repair damaged teeth and protect them from further harm. Our experienced dentists use the latest techniques to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
Why wait?
Many Fairfax dental offices provide:
- Same-day crown options with CEREC® technology
- Emergency crown repairs and replacements
- Meticulously crafted dental crowns for lasting results
Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!
Make an appointment to see our dentist
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our state-of-the-art dental practice, fill out and submit the form or call us at 703-255-3755.
