Dental crowns are prosthetic caps that cover a natural tooth, usually to restore it after it’s been damaged. Modern crowns are durable and can last as long as 15 years with the right care.
If you’re not sure whether a crown is beneficial for you, here are five instances when dental crowns are necessary:
Dental crowns are needed to restore a tooth after it’s treated for a large cavity or infection. In both cases, the dentist needs to remove the affected tissue and then use some method to restore the tooth to its full strength and look.
Sometimes, this is done with regular dental crowns. But if the tooth loses a lot of tissue during treatment, then a dental crown is more suitable.
Dental crowns may be used to restore a tooth after chipping or cracking. This is usually the case when the damage is quite severe and bonding or other milder methods are insufficient.
The crown would protect the tooth from further damage and allow you to chew your food as usual. Moreover, it will protect the sensitive tissue from exposure to heat and cold and prevent pain.
A broken or fractured tooth doesn’t need to be extracted anymore. Your dentist can reshape the tooth and place a custom dental crown on top.
This way, your smile is complete, and you don’t have to lose a tooth, which may help support jawbone health over the long term as you stimulate the bone while chewing your food.
If you grind your teeth while sleeping or due to stress, this can wear down the tooth enamel over time.
If the damage is extensive, your dentist may recommend placing a dental crown on your tooth. You’ll also likely be fitted for a mouthguard to protect your teeth from grinding.
Dental crowns are custom-made to suit every patient’s unique tooth shape, size, and color. They can sometimes be used for cosmetic purposes as well, such as in a smile makeover.
Usually, dentists don’t recommend dental crowns solely for cosmetic reasons. The preparation stages involve resizing the tooth, a permanent process that most dentists avoid performing on perfectly healthy teeth.
But if your tooth is damaged and has cosmetic imperfections, a dental crown can be used to kill two birds with one stone.
A dental crown is an important part of restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, but it’s not the only one.
You can discover your best options for a healthy smile after just a short yet thorough consultation with Dr. Becky Chiem.
Schedule a visit to Coronado Family Dental online or call our office at (505) 369-6451 to find out more about dental crowns or our other services.