Posted by Jocelynn Vida on Jun 11 2024, 07:04 AM
The Benefits of Dental Crowns for Restoring Damaged Teeth Â
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are tooth-shaped prosthetics placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. These custom-made restorations are typically fabricated from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials and are permanently cemented onto the prepared tooth. Dental crowns protect weakened teeth from further damage and enhance their aesthetics, providing a natural-looking and durable solution for patients with cracked, severely decayed, or misshapen teeth. Â
Uses of Dental Crowns Â
Restoration of Damaged Teeth Â
Dental crowns are commonly used to restore teeth significantly damaged due to decay, trauma, or wear. When a tooth has extensive decay or cavities that cannot be effectively repaired with dental fillings, a crown may be recommended to restore the tooth's shape, size, and strength. Â
Crowns cover the entire visibleportionof the tooth above the gum line, protecting against further decay or damage. They effectively seal the tooth, preventing bacteria from entering and causingadditionalharm. Â
Protection of Weakened Teeth Â
Teeth that are structurally weak, brittle, or prone to fracture maybenefitfrom the protection provided by dental crowns. This weakness can result fromvarious factors, including large fillings, root canal treatment, or natural wear and tear over time. Â
Dentists can strengthen and reinforce a weakened tooth by encasing it with a crown, reducing the risk of fracture or breakage. Crowns distribute biting forces evenly across the tooth, preserving its integrity and functionality. Â
Supporting Teeth After Root Canal Treatment Â
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are often weakened due to the removal of infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth. After the procedure, the tooth may be more susceptible to fracture or damage. Â
Dental crowns protect and support these weakened teeth, restoring their strength and functionality. The crown covers the treated tooth, sealing it and preventing bacteria from re-entering the root canal system. Â
Replacing Large Fillings Â
Teeth with large fillings that have deteriorated over time may require dental crowns to provideadditionalsupport and coverage. Large fillings can weaken the tooth structure and increase thefracture riskor decay. Â
Crowns are placed over the remaining tooth structure, providing a protectivecoveringand restoring the tooth's natural shape and function. This helps prevent further breakdown of the tooth and ensures long-term stability. Â
Improving Tooth Alignment and Bite Â
Dental crowns can correct minor misalignments, irregularities, or tooth shape or size discrepancies. By reshaping and covering the affected teeth, crowns can help achieve a more uniform and harmonious smile. Â
Additionally, crowns can improve bite alignment by restoring proper tooth height and alignment. This can help alleviate issues such as jaw pain, headaches, and uneven tooth wear. Â
Enhancing Aesthetic Appearance Â
One significant benefit of dental crowns is their ability to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the smile. Crowns are custom-made to match natural teeth' color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking restoration. Â
Crowns can conceal cosmetic imperfections, including discoloration, chips, cracks, or misshapen teeth. By improving tooth symmetry and proportion, crowns can significantly enhance the overall appearance of the smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Â
Supporting Dental Bridges Â
Dental crowns are often used to support dental bridges, which replace missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth. Crowns are placed on the healthy teethadjacent tothe space to anchor the bridge securely. Â
Crowns provide stability and support for the dental bridge, ensuring proper function and preventing movement or displacement. This restores the ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably, enhancing oral function and aesthetics. Â
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The Dental Crown Procedure Â
Preparation Â
The first step in getting a dental crown is preparing the tooth to accommodate the crown. This typically involves numbing the tooth and surrounding area with a local anesthetic to ensure the patient's comfort. The dentist then carefully shapes the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged areas and shaping it to fit the crown properly. In some cases, if the tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a filling material or buildup may be added to provideadditionalsupport for the crown. Â
Impression Â
Once the tooth is prepared, the dentisttakesan impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth using dental putty or digital scanning technology. This impression serves as a mold for the dental laboratory to create a custom-made crown that matches the shape, size, and color of the patient's natural teeth. The dentist may also take photographs and shade measurements to match the surrounding teeth accurately. Â
Placement Â
After the impression is taken, it is sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians fabricate the crown. In the meantime, the dentist may place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready. Once the permanent crown is ready, typically within a few weeks, the patient returns to the dental office for the final placement. The dentist removes the temporary crown, checks the fit and appearance of the permanent crown, and makes any necessary adjustments. Once satisfied, the permanent crown is cemented, restoring the tooth's appearance, function, and strength. Â
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Dental crowns are invaluable restorative dental treatments that offer durable and long-lasting solutions for various dental concerns. Ifyou'reconsidering dental crowns to restore your smile and improve your oral health, visit Vida Dentistry at 25270 Marguerite Parkway Ste C Mission Viejo, CA 92692, or call (949) 209-8889 todetermineif dental crowns are the right treatmentoptionfor you.Â
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Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Phone : (949) 209-8889