Family Dental of Fairfax City
Family Dental of Fairfax City

Crowns are used to save and restore damaged or weak teeth, and are similar to a cap that is placed over the tooth. Crowns allow patients to be able to use their tooth again, and they look natural in the mouth. Crowns help to make damaged teeth durable and strong again. The color of the crown is matched to look like a patient’s natural teeth giving it a natural look.

A crown may be needed for the following:

  • After a root canal treatment
  • To repair a cracked or damaged tooth
  • To help restore a stained or misshapen tooth.

On average, crowns typically last anywhere between 5 to 15 years. How long your crown lasts depends on the wear and tear of the crown over time. If the crown faces a higher level of wear and tear, this can lead to needing a crown replacement. If good oral hygiene habits are followed and the crown is taken care of, crowns can last between 25-30 years.

Tips to help your crown last longer:

  • Attend regular dental appointments in our office so we can ensure all looks good and your crown remains healthy.
  • Avoid biting down on hard objects or foods to avoid wear and tear on the crown.
  • Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. If you suffer from bruxism, a mouthguard may be recommended.

If you notice any cracks, chips, or pain around your crown, contact our office immediately and we can help.

If you are interested in finding out more about our crown procedures, contact Family Dental of Fairfax City to schedule your appointment.

If a tooth is damaged or broken, you may have had it fixed with a filling or crown. In some cases there is too much damage for a tooth to be repaired, and this is when an extraction may be necessary.

If you have been recommended a tooth extraction, there are a few types of extractions done in our office.

A simple dental extraction is done when the tooth can be easily accessed. Local anesthesia is used to keep patients comfortable, and the dentist simply pulls the tooth out using forceps.

If the tooth is broken or has not erupted in the mouth, and the dentist cannot reach the tooth with ease, a surgical extraction may be necessary. This procedure is a bit more complex. Local anesthesia is used, a small incision will be made in the gum, and the tooth will be removed.

Surgical extractions are very common, and stitches may be needed to ensure the area heals properly.

Our skilled team will give you post-extraction instructions to care for your mouth at home. It is important to follow those instructions to avoid any complications or infection.

Once the extraction is complete, you can discuss the next steps for tooth replacement with our team to restore your smile. We want our patients to feel good about their smile, and will work with each patient to give them the smile they desire.

If you are interested in finding out more about a tooth extraction, contact Family Dental of Fairfax City to schedule your appointment.