What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns can be applied for both cosmetic and utilitarian purposes. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the entire visible portion of the tooth to help repair, protect, or enhance the appearance of an individual tooth.
What Crowns Can Fix
You may be wondering exactly what kinds of issues a dental crown can help solve. As part of the larger picture of restorative dentistry, crowns may be the best solution if:
- You already have a filling in a tooth with diminishing natural bone
- One of your teeth is weak and needs additional protection
- You would like to cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
- You have a worn-down, chipped, or broken tooth
- You need solid fixture point for a dental bridge
The Advantage of Dental Crowns
Crowns have many advantages as a solution to weak, misshapen, or otherwise unfit teeth.
- Support. If your tooth has been damaged by decay, cracking, chipping, or otherwise worn down, a crown can help provide structural integrity.
- Protection. If you’ve recently undergone a root canal or another compromising procedure, your dentist may recommend a crown for coverage.
- Appearance. Discolored or misshapen teeth that stand out in your smile can be masked with the help of a well-applied dental crown, which can address both concerns.
- Ease. The process of applying a crown is less invasive, time-consuming, and uncomfortable compared to other resolution options that may incorporate a total extraction.
Assessing Your Tooth
Once you have consulted with your dentist on the best way to treat your tooth, they may determine that a crown is the best way to go. The first step will be to take x-rays of your mouth for a close inspection of the state of the roots of your teeth. If the x-rays reveal extensive decay or a high risk of infection, preparatory measures or other options for treatment may be presented.
Creating a Crown
If you are cleared for a crown, your dentist will begin by numbing the area and filing down the chewing surface of the tooth in question to make room for your crown. Alternatively, if your tooth is lacking in size, your dentist may apply a filling material. Impressions will be taken of the area so that the dental lab manufacturing your crown can get it just right. You will be fitted with a temporary crown while you await the creation of your permanent crown. Upon your return visit, the temporary appliance will be removed and the custom crown adjusted to fit.
Contact Us
Our Dentist near Lindenhurst offers many preventative services to help protect your natural teeth along with options like crowns for restoration. Please call us to schedule an appointment or ask any questions regarding crowns.
