MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS

If you have damage to a tooth, it needs to be repaired as soon as possible. If damage or decay is allowed to progress, it may lead to the need for more severe repair options, or even the extraction and replacement of the tooth entirely. If your tooth is damage, but the root is still healthy, you may be a candidate for a repair option that allows you to keep part of the healthy tooth—a dental crown.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are dental prosthetics that are placed over damaged teeth, or used as abutments for dental bridges. These crowns can be made with a variety of different materials, but porcelain is the most popular option.

Why a Replacement Crown?

Having an damaged tooth can lead to pain, discomfort, infections, disease and decay. Because of this, it’s extremely important to repair a broken tooth as soon as possible. Repairing a damaged tooth with a dental crown will help to safeguard the remaining healthy portion of the tooth from oral health issues. A replacement crown will also improve the functionality of a tooth—allowing you to bite and chew without having to worry about pain or further damage to the tooth.

Finally, a dental crown will help to restore the appearance of a tooth. Replacement crowns can be made to look just like the tooth they are replacing. Because of this, most replacement crowns go completely unnoticed and blend into the smiles of patients perfectly. This can help to boost the self-esteem of a patient, and can encourage them to continue to smile without feeling insecure.

Dental Bridges

While dental crowns are often used to repair damaged teeth, they also may be used as abutments for dental bridges. A dental bridge is a dental appliance that is used to bridge the gap where a tooth or teeth are missing. The abutments (crowns) are used to hold the pontic (false tooth or set of teeth) in place. When crowns are placed as abutments, the natural teeth will need to be reshaped—which is a permanent change. Because of this, other options—such as implants—should also be considered.

Speak with Your Dentist

If you notice any pain or discomfort in a tooth, it’s time to see a dentist. While it may simply be a cavity, if the decay has been left to spread, a portion of the tooth may need to be replaced. If this is the case, a replacement crown may be the best option. It’s also extremely important to visit the dentist if a tooth has been cracked, chipped or otherwise broken. A cracked tooth can continue to break—causing more pain and even more damage to the tooth. A severe crack can also lead to the growth and spreading of bacteria—causing decay and infections.

Speak with your dentist about repair options for a damaged tooth, and see if a dental veneer or a dental crown is the best option for you.

West Mobile Dental Care, located in Mobile, AL, utilizes dental crowns as a restorative and cosmetic dental option. Contact us today and schedule you're consultation.

Interesting in learning more about dental crowns? Here's additional information on the different types of dental crowns.