Restoring and Repairing Damaged Teeth
Are your teeth damaged or discolored? In the realm of modern dentistry, dental crowns act as versatile and effective tools for restoring both the function and aesthetics of damaged teeth. Our dentists, Dr. Miller and Dr. Cooper, use dental crowns to address a variety of dental issues, providing patients with durable and natural-looking solutions.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, often referred to as caps, are customized prosthetic restorations designed to cover and encase a damaged or weakened tooth. Crafted from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination, these crowns serve as protective shields, restoring the tooth’s strength, functionality, and appearance.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer a myriad of benefits, making them a versatile and effective solution for various dental issues. Here’s a closer look at how dental crowns can significantly enhance both the function and aesthetics of your teeth:
- Addressing Extensive Tooth Decay: Dental crowns come to the rescue when teeth face extensive decay that surpasses the restorative capabilities of traditional dental fillings. By encapsulating the damaged tooth, crowns provide a durable barrier against decay, restoring its structural integrity and preventing further deterioration.
- Stabilizing Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Whether stemming from trauma or wear and tear, cracks or fractures in teeth can compromise their stability and functionality. Dental crowns act as sturdy reinforcements, covering and supporting the damaged tooth, thereby preventing further breakage and ensuring a stable and functional bite.
- Enhancing Post-Root Canal Treatment: Following a root canal procedure, teeth often require additional protection and reinforcement. Dental crowns are frequently employed to cap the treated tooth, offering a protective shield that strengthens and preserves its functionality. This ensures the success of the root canal treatment while preventing future complications.
- Cosmetic Transformations: Beyond their functional benefits, dental crowns serve as powerful tools for cosmetic enhancements. They are adept at improving the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or severely stained teeth. Customized to match the color and shape of natural teeth, crowns can seamlessly blend into the smile, delivering aesthetically pleasing results.
- Correcting Misalignments: Dental crowns can be utilized to address minor misalignments or irregularities in tooth shape. This not only contributes to a more visually appealing smile but also helps in achieving a harmonious and balanced dental structure.
- Improving Bite Alignment: In cases where teeth exhibit uneven wear or bite misalignment, dental crowns can be strategically placed to restore proper bite alignment. This not only enhances oral function but also reduces the risk of issues such as jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Long-Term Durability: Dental crowns, when properly cared for, offer a long-lasting solution. Their durability ensures that the treated teeth maintain their strength and functionality for years to come, providing patients with lasting benefits from their investment in dental care.
The Dental Crown Procedure
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves multiple steps:
Consultation
During the initial consultation, our dentists evaluate the tooth’s condition, discuss treatment options, and determine the most suitable material for the crown. Your consultation is a great time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have.
Tooth Preparation
If you’ve been approved for a new dental crown, the affected tooth is prepared by removing any decay or damage, and its outer layer is reshaped to accommodate the crown.
Impressions
Impressions of the prepared tooth are taken to ensure a precisely fitting crown. These impressions guide the dental lab in crafting a crown that seamlessly integrates with the patient’s natural dentition.
Temporary Crown
While the permanent crown is being fabricated, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth.
Crown Placement
Once the permanent crown is ready, it’s securely bonded to the prepared tooth using dental cement. Our dentists ensure proper fit, alignment, and bite.