What Can Dental Crowns Do?
Dental crowns are highly versatile. Our dentists use them when a tooth needs repair, which provides beautification, protection, and support. This includes:
- Decayed teeth repair
- Cracked teeth repair
- Worn teeth restoration
- Small tooth augmentation
- Bite reconstruction
- Dental bridge support
- Dental implant completion
Sometimes, we recommend other treatments instead of dental crowns in these situations. Your dentist will evaluate your situation to determine when a dental crown is best for you.
Repairing Decayed Teeth
We often use dental crowns to repair weakened teeth. Tooth decay is the most common source of weakened teeth. Sometimes, a dental crown is the first restoration for a badly decayed tooth. A crown is often used when secondary cavities or other damage develops around large fillings. Dental crowns can even protect a tooth after root canal therapy.
Repairing Cracked Teeth
Tiny cracks known as craze lines might not need repair unless they bother you. Porcelain veneers or dental bonding can fix these minor cracks and small chips. When trauma causes a tooth to crack in a way that jeopardizes the integrity of the tooth, a dental crown can hold it together.
If the crack exposes the living interior of the tooth, we might recommend root canal therapy before placing a dental crown. Sometimes, a crack goes so deep into a tooth that we need to remove and replace the tooth.
Restoring Worn Teeth
When a bad bite or everyday use wears down your teeth, dental crowns can help restore teeth to their former height. Porcelain veneers can do this, too. Your dentist will choose dental crowns when the built-up tooth needs additional support.
Augmenting Small Teeth
If your teeth are naturally small, porcelain veneers, you can build them up to an attractive height. Depending on how much buildup your teeth need and the status of your bite, your teeth might need more support. In that case, your dentist will use a dental crown for one or more teeth.
Reconstructing Your Bite
If we have determined that bite reconstruction is the best approach for treating TMJ or other bite problems, our dentists often choose dental crowns to support back teeth where pressure is most significant.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental crowns can even help replace a missing tooth. A dental bridge is supported by dental implants or dental crowns over neighboring teeth. We often talk about dental implants as the best tooth replacement. However, dental implants only replace the tooth root. It’s entirely covered by your bones and gums. It’s the attractive dental crown we see and does much of the hard work of chewing.
How Dental Crowns Work
Dental crowns are like sheaths of advanced ceramic that slip over a tooth. They cover the entire tooth from the gum lineup. A dental crown gives your tooth an entirely new exterior, including the chewing surface.
First, your dentist will evaluate your tooth to see if a dental crown is necessary. Many dentists use dental crowns in situations where less invasive restorations, like dental inlays and onlays, will work as well. If you need a dental crown, your dentist will prepare the tooth to receive the dental crown. Your dentist will remove damaged tooth material and shape the tooth to maximize support for the dental crown. For badly damaged or infected teeth, preparation can include root canal therapy. In this procedure, a dentist removes the living material from a tooth, eliminating current infection and preventing future infection.
Next, we will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions, along with precise instructions for making your restoration, are sent to a dental lab. You will wear a temporary crown while your new crown is manufactured. This temporary crown looks good and typically lasts long enough for the dental lab to craft your permanent crown. However, it is not a long-term restoration–you will need to get your permanent restoration.
When your permanent crown is ready, we will schedule a fitting appointment. Your dentist will try it on to ensure proper fit and color. If you and your dentist are satisfied, we will bond it permanently.
Advanced modern crowns are highly durable and are expected to last ten years or more.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns
Would you like to learn how dental crowns can help restore your smile to full function and beauty? Please call 940-322-2252 or contact us today for an appointment at StarImage Dentistry in Wichita Falls, TX.
