Dental crowns are one of the best and most versatile tools a dentist can have. They’re suitable for both restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures. Can a dental crown help your dental problem? Dr. Leah Butler of Butler Family Dentistry, a dentist in Strongsville, Oh, discusses what they can treat.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are made of a high-quality dental ceramic that’s able to be color-matched to the rest of your teeth or the shade you desire. A crown is made to go completely over a tooth that’s been prepared. The core of your tooth structure is left, but the crown will now serve as the primary tooth. It’s designed to blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile.
Stabilizing a Tooth
One of the most common things a dental crown is used for is stabilizing a tooth after a root canal. When a root canal is performed, the infected dental pulp is removed from inside the tooth. Though a biocompatible replaces the pulp, the tooth can still be compromised. A crown gives you back the full functionality of the tooth and helps to seal it off from further infection.
Covering a Misshapen or Discolored Tooth
A misshapen tooth may be something that you try to hide in your smile. Depending on the defect and where the tooth is located in the mouth, it may also be hard to speak or eat as well. A crown goes completely over the tooth, being molded to blend in perfectly with your smile. It also gives you back functionality you may have been missing from the misshapen tooth.
There are certain stains and discolorations that aren’t able to be treated with traditional teeth whitening techniques. If you have stains from genetics or certain medications, a dental crown may be the best option. It goes completely over the impacted tooth.
Taking Care of Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth
Whether it’s a cosmetic chip or a dental emergency, a dental crown can take care of it. If your tooth is broken or chipped, the crown will replace the portion that’s been broken off. Since it goes completely over your tooth, it will also protect the exposed dental pulp and nerves that can be painful.
If the tooth is cracked, the crown can be used to keep the pieces of the tooth together. This allows you to avoid the consequences that come with missing teeth. The exposed dental pulp would be susceptible to infection, but a dental crown can seal it off from infection.
The Final Restoration for Dental Implants
Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. They both look and feel the most natural, particularly with a dental crown as the final restoration. Implants can support a fixed bridge or denture as well, but dental crowns usually give the most natural result.
Dental Crowns at Your Strongsville, Ohio Dentist
Can a dental crown be the solution to your dental problem? Call us or schedule an appointment online.