A standard dental procedure that dentists perform is placing a dental crown. A crown is a cap or a “crown” that sits on top of teeth. Dentists will use crowns for a variety of reasons, including both cosmetic and restorative purposes. In fact, crowns can protect damaged teeth or reshape dysfunctional or disfigured teeth. They are composed of different materials, such as porcelain, resin, ceramic, or metal. Because of this, they generally require the same amount of care as your natural teeth.
If your dentist recommends a dental crown, you shouldn’t worry. It is a process that will add both beauty and function to your smile.
Cosmetic Purposes
Crowns not only have functional uses, but they have cosmetic purposes as well. You may consider cosmetic crowns for patients with misshapen or discolored teeth. Certain medical conditions or traumatic events can drastically change the shape of your teeth.
Crowns can renew your smile as you desire. Additionally, patients may think of using dental crowns for severely discolored teeth to brighten and whiten their smiles.
Restorative Purposes
You can utilize a crown to restore the actual function of your teeth.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is a titanium tooth root implant. When you lose a tooth, your dentist can provide you with a permanent tooth replacement. A dental team will surgically implant a titanium root into your jaw to provide a foundation for a crown. The process of receiving dental crowns will take several visits. This is because the surgical site must completely heal before moving to the following stages of implant placement.
Once the time has healed the root (an abutment and post), your dentist will install a crown. While your jaw heals, your dental professional will make the artificial tooth or teeth from impressions of your remaining teeth. This will ensure that your smile is even and natural. You will be able to choose between removable or fixed replacement. For a permanent solution, you may consider a fixed type. Finally, your dentist will cement the crown into place. This will complete your implant process.
Root Canal
A root canal is a treatment done for teeth that have infected roots. Your teeth are made of layers—the enamel, the dentin, and the pulp. The pulp is what houses the nerves and connective tissues. So if this area gets infected, it causes you severe pain. The removal of the infection is vital so that it does not spread to other teeth or areas.
During a root canal, your dentist will drill into your tooth to get to the infected area. Once there, they will remove the infection and disinfect the area. In order to drill into the infection, your dentist must remove a more significant portion of your tooth. When this happens, a dental filling will not be adequate to fill in your tooth. This is why your dentist will utilize a crown. It will be able to cover a much larger area and support your tooth.