At ProCare Dental, a crown is a restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth. If your teeth are discolored, misshapen, cracked, chipped, worn down, or have small gaps, they could be repaired with a crown. Dental crowns also support bridges, function as the visible components of dental implants, and reinforce a tooth weakened by a root canal treatment. While crowns can be made from varied materials, they all serve the same purpose, to protect and strengthen the tooth structure and improve its appearance.
The Purpose of Dental Crowns
A dental crown improves both the function and the appearance of your smile. Your dentist may recommend a crown to address any of a variety of conditions. A crown could be placed to protect a weak or cracked tooth from further damage or restore it after a root canal. And since they cover the entire surface of the tooth, they are an excellent choice for discolored teeth that cannot be whitened with traditional whitening treatments. Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain and gold. The type recommended for you will depend on your needs and preferences.
Dental Crown Placement Procedure
A crown fits over the tooth like a cap, covering the entire visible surface above the gum line. To prepare a tooth for a dental crown, the dentist must reshape the surface of the tooth so the crown can fit over it. This is done by filing the tooth down with a drill. Once the tooth is reshaped, an impression will be made of your mouth and sent to the lab, where your custom restoration will be manufactured. Then a temporary crown will be placed while you wait for the permanent one to be made. At your second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent one will be securely cemented.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
A crown is a type of cap placed over a damaged tooth to protect it from further damage, restore its appearance and strength, or improve its function. When a tooth has been seriously injured or cracked by trauma or cavities that are too deep for a filling, a crown may be necessary to restore it to its previous condition. Placing a dental crown over the damaged tooth can help prevent further decay and the necessity for tooth extraction.
In addition to protecting teeth, crowns can be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of your smile. They are often placed over teeth whose cavities are filled to return the tooth to its original appearance. Once in place, the crown should match with the surrounding teeth and look natural. This gives patients a restored smile that looks beautiful and functions like new.
Dental crowns can correct many dental issues as one of the most versatile dental prostheses. To learn more about the benefits of dental crowns, contact ProCare Dental at 1377 E 3900 S #202, Salt Lake City 84124, or call (801) 278-2817.