The strength of human teeth is quite impressive; they can last us a lifetime filled with biting, chomping and chewing, all the while able to withstand over 100 pounds of pressure. However, similar to bones, it is not uncommon for teeth to break or become damaged. They are also highly susceptible to decay, which can compromise their structure. These experiences are unpleasant, and oftentimes they affect one’s appearance and self-confidence. What’s more, some kinds of tooth damage can lead to further complications that may require them to be extracted altogether. Fortunately for those experiencing such issues, the right cosmetic dentist can offer a solution that can return a tooth to its natural appearance, function and strength: dental crowns.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a “cap” designed to restore a tooth to its natural shape. Crowns come in varying materials such as resin, porcelain and various forms of metal, and they are usually custom made to fit the exact shape of your tooth and the affected area. They are permanently affixed to the tooth to offer a lasting solution and are often supported by additional material to ensure their staying power.
When would I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns have many applications but, put most simply, you would benefit from a crown if a tooth was missing part of its natural structure. For example, crowns can help fill a gap caused by a cracked tooth, replace a missing edge or corner on a chipped tooth or “fill in” an area lost to decay. They are also used to seal up a tooth after a root canal procedure, during which the root of a tooth is exposed. There are also dental implant crowns, which are designed to recreate entire teeth that are attached to dental implants to replace one or more permanent teeth a patient lost or had extracted.
What are the benefits of dental crowns?
Dental crowns are useful because they have applications in both cosmetic and restorative dentistry. For example, a small chip in a tooth may not present a significant medical risk but may make a person feel self-conscious about their smile. A crown can be applied to the chipped area to return it to its natural appearance. They can also have important medical functions. For example, root canal treatment entails a dentist creating or widening a hole in the tooth that goes all the way to the root in order to remove infected material and flush out bacteria. Once the procedure is done, a crown can be applied to restore the missing material created by the hole.
If your tooth has been weakened or damaged by an injury, decay, medical procedure or similar event, a dental crown can help it look, feel and function the way it should.
If you would like to learn more about a cosmetic dentist in La Mesa who also offers general dentistry, family dentistry and more, call Javadi Smiles today at (619) 464-4411 or contact us online.
