WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS?

There are times when a tooth becomes too damage or decayed to fix with any easy solutions. In order to save the tooth, more intensive replacement methods need to be considered. For teeth that have a significant amount of damage to the crown, a prosthetic crown may need to be considered to restore the integrity of the tooth.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a dental prosthetic that replaces the majority of a patient’s natural crown. These prosthetics can be made with different materials, but are often made with porcelain-fused to metal for optimal appearance and support.

Dental Crowns Versus Dental Veneers

When a smaller portion of the crown of a tooth is damaged, a dental veneer may be an option. A dental veneer allows a dentist to save as much of a natural tooth as possible, which is ideal. Dental crowns, on the other hand, involve a more comprehensive replacement.

Why Would I Need a Crown?

There are two main reasons that a patient may need a dental crown, which are discussed below:

Tooth Repair

A very common reason for the placement of a prosthetic crown is the repair of a tooth. Some of the reasons for a repair include:

• The restoration of a fractured tooth.
• The repair of a tooth that has suffered from significant decay.
• The protection of a weakened tooth from fracturing.
• The cosmetic repair of a misshapen or discolored tooth.

If a tooth is not properly repaired, the patient risks the damage or decay becoming worse. If it continues to get worse, there is a likelihood that the tooth will need to be extracted completely and replaced.

Patients with dental crowns find that they are able to bite and chew much like they did before their teeth were damaged. Prosthetic crowns can also be made to look very similar to the look of the natural crown that is being replaced—making it an aesthetically pleasing choice.

Dental Bridge

Another reason for the placement of a prosthetic crown is a dental bridge. Dental bridges will often involve the use of one or more abutments to keep the pontic (false tooth or teeth) in place. These abutments are prosthetic crowns that are placed over healthy, reshaped teeth. These secured crowns help to support the pontic—repairing the appearance and functionality to the patient’s teeth and bite.

Speak with Your Dentist

If you have a tooth that has been damaged, or if you are suffering from decay, set an appointment with your dentist for a consultation. Do not wait! The longer you wait for a repair, the more difficult the repair will be for your dentist. Not only will this likely increase the cost of the procedure, but it will also increase the amount of the natural tooth that will need to be replaced. Waiting too long will likely lead to the need for an extraction.

Speak with your dentist today about a damaged tooth that is in need of repair.

Learn More About Dental Crowns : Different Types of Dental Crowns