How Dental Crowns Help In Various Ways

A dental crown could be considered a jack-of-all-trades in the dentistry world. If you have a large filling and not enough tooth structure to hold it, then a crown can be used to make it stronger. Your Dallas, TX, dentist also uses them to attach bridges, cover dental implants and discolored teeth, and to protect a weak tooth from further damage. Depending on your oral health, we can fit you with one if needed in a way that is comfortable and minimally invasive. Let’s find out more about them. 

Isn’t It Kind Of Like A Cap?

Yes! It is like a cap that your tooth wears. The most commonly used ones, and the ones we recommend because of their natural appearance, are made from porcelain. But they can also be made from ceramics, metal alloys, and composite resin. The location of the tooth being fitted for one, how healthy your gum tissue is, and how visible the crown will be once it is placed all play a role in determining which kind is used. No matter the material, though, they are designed to match your remaining natural teeth color. 

Who Qualifies For One?

There are many reasons for one to be placed on a tooth. Some of these include

• If you have a cracked tooth, it can hold it together
• Helping make a weak tooth stronger
• Fixing a misshapen tooth
• Covering a tooth after a root canal treatment

You may have heard the terms “onlays” and “3/4 crowns.” Compared to traditional ones that cover an entire tooth, those others only partially cover teeth. We can help determine which kind of crown you may need when you visit with us. 

How Do I Go About Getting One?

Getting one usually takes two appointments for completion. If we determine that you need one, we will start the process by taking digital x-rays and using our intraoral camera to build an accurate treatment plan. We will then reshape the tooth, followed by taking impressions of it. A dental lab technician will use the impressions to construct a crown that matches your other teeth. You will be fitted with a temporary restoration as the new one is being created. Once it is ready, you will visit us so that we can permanently bond it into place.   

How Long Do They Last?

They can last anywhere from five to 15 years depending on how well they are treated and how good a patient’s oral hygiene habits are. Ways to keep them last longer are to wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth, avoid using your teeth to open things, and being aware of any hard foods in your diet. 

Need One? Schedule A Consultation With Us Today!

Crowns serve a variety of functions, all of which help you maintain good oral health and keep your smile beautiful. For more information, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).