All-Ceramic Dental Crowns
in Greenbelt, MD

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What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-crafted "cap" that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. At McCarl Dental Group, we provide beautiful, durable dental crowns to address a variety of needs – from protecting a cracked tooth to covering a discolored one. What sets us apart is our ability to create high-quality same-day crowns using advanced technology right in our office. In many cases, this means you can walk in with a damaged tooth and leave with a permanent, custom-fitted crown in just one visit—eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments. While not every case is suited for same-day treatment, we’ll evaluate your needs to determine the best option for your smile.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Restore and Protect Weakened Teeth

Crowns provide excellent protection for teeth that have been weakened by large fillings, fractures, or root canal treatment. The full-coverage design distributes biting forces evenly, helping prevent further damage and extending the life of the tooth.

Same-Day Convenience

Thanks to our in-office iTero technology, many patients can receive a durable, high-quality crown in just one visit—no temporary needed. While not every case qualifies for same-day treatment, we’ll evaluate your needs to determine the best option for you.

Natural-Looking Results

Today's crown materials can be precisely matched to your natural tooth color and translucency. Whether visible in your smile or hidden in the back of your mouth, we create crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth in both appearance and function.

The Dental Crown Process

Step
1

Comprehensive Evaluation

We’ll start by taking a close look at your tooth to see if a crown is the right solution. Our digital X-rays provide a clear, accurate view of your tooth’s condition, allowing us to plan your treatment with precision and care.

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Step
2

Digital Impressions

Say goodbye to that goopy impression material that makes you gag. Our iTero digital scanner captures a perfect 3D model of your teeth quickly and comfortably. It's as simple as moving a small wand around your mouth—no mess, no discomfort, and incredibly accurate.

Step
3

Design and Milling

While you relax in our office (perhaps watching the birds at our feeders outside the window), your doctor designs your custom crown. If your case is a good fit for same-day treatment, we’ll send the design to our in-office milling machine, which carves your crown from a solid block of ceramic matched to your exact tooth color. This process typically takes about an hour—just enough time to catch up on emails or enjoy a good book.

Step
4

Final Placement

Once your crown is ready, we'll make any needed refinements for the perfect fit and appearance. After checking that everything feels comfortable when you bite, we'll permanently bond the crown to your tooth. You'll leave with your final restoration the same day—no return trip needed and no temporary crown to worry about.

Frequently asked questions

How long do dental crowns last?

With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer. Many of our patients have crowns that have served them well for 20+ years. Factors affecting longevity include your oral hygiene practices, habits like teeth grinding, and regular dental check-ups. Our same-day crowns are made from high-quality materials that offer excellent durability comparable to traditional lab-made crowns.

Does getting a crown hurt?

We use effective local anesthesia to ensure you don't feel pain during the procedure. Our digital impression system eliminates the discomfort often associated with traditional impression materials. After the procedure, you might experience mild sensitivity for a day or two, but this typically resolves quickly and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.

Why should I choose same-day crowns versus traditional lab-made crowns?

Same-day crowns offer several advantages: you'll need only one appointment instead of two, there's no need for a temporary crown (which can come loose or feel uncomfortable), and you won't have to take multiple days off work or arrange additional childcare. When appropriate for your case, our same-day crowns provide excellent quality and durability, using the same high-grade ceramics as many lab-made restorations. That said, some patients may be better suited for a lab-made crown depending on the location of the tooth, bite alignment, or other clinical factors—we’ll always recommend what’s best for your long-term dental health.