Crowns Specialist
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Lansdowne Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
General Dentists & Cosmetic Dentists located in Lansdowne, VA
All-porcelain dental crowns help men and women improve the aesthetics of their smiles as well as strengthen and protect individual teeth. At Lansdowne Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Paul Ellington combines state-of-the-art technology, including digital radiology (digital X-rays), with an artistic eye to create crowns that are as beautiful as they are durable and comfortable. If you’re considering a crown, call our Lansdowne, Virginia, office or use our online system to schedule an office visit and learn more.
Crowns Q & A
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are durable, tooth-colored covers designed to surround the entire visible portion of a tooth. At Lansdowne Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Ellington uses all-porcelain crowns made of the highest-quality material for optimal strength and beautiful, natural-looking results. Porcelain retains many of the same characteristics and translucent appearance of natural tooth material, allowing it to blend in perfectly.
When are crowns used?
Crowns are quite versatile and can be used to:
- Hide unattractive dark fillings
- Strengthen teeth that are weakened by decay or other damage
- Improve the appearance and function of teeth that are badly worn
- Protect teeth used to support a crown
- Strengthen teeth that have been treated with a root canal
- Restore broken teeth
How is a crown applied?
Usually, Dr. Ellington can apply your crown in just two office visits. At the first visit, he prepares the tooth for the crown by removing and filling decayed areas and performing any other restorative work to the structure of the tooth. Then, he shapes the tooth, removing a small amount of the tooth surface material to make room for the crown. This step is essential for ensuring the crown fits comfortably without causing crowding.
Next, he takes an impression of the tooth to serve as a model for the crown. He sends the impression to a dental lab that specializes in restoration fabrication using state-of-the-art technology.
Finally, he applies a temporary crown to the tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is made. Most crowns are ready in about two weeks. At the second appointment, Dr. Ellington removes the temporary crown and carefully fits and adjusts the permanent crown so it’s comfortable.
Do crowns need special care?
No, you care for your crown like your other teeth with brushing and flossing. During your regular checkups and cleanings, Dr. Ellington checks the crown to ensure it remains in good shape and securely attached to your tooth.
Can a crown be whitened?
All-porcelain crowns are extremely resistant to stains and discoloration, and that means they’re also resistant to whitening solutions. If your crown does become discolored, it needs to be replaced. Many men and women opt to have their teeth whitened before having a crown placed to ensure the crown matches their teeth at their whitest.
