How Do Dental Crowns Work and When Are They Necessary?

1. What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a cap that covers a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It is often used when a tooth is severely decayed, damaged, or weakened, providing extra support and protection. Dental crowns are custom-made to fit over the remaining part of the tooth, making it look and function like a natural tooth again.

They are typically made from durable materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. Porcelain crowns are popular for their natural look, while metal crowns are often used for back teeth where aesthetics aren’t as important but durability is. Your dentist will recommend the best material based on the tooth’s location and the extent of damage.

2. How Do Dental Crowns Work?

Dental crowns work by encapsulating the entire visible portion of a tooth to protect it from further damage or decay. The process of placing a crown typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will clean and shape the tooth to make it fit the crown. In some cases, they may also remove any decayed portions of the tooth. An impression of the tooth is then taken to create a custom crown that will fit perfectly over the prepared tooth.

Once the crown is ready, the dentist will place it over the tooth, ensuring it fits properly and looks natural. In some cases, temporary crowns are used while the permanent one is being made. The final crown is securely cemented in place, providing long-lasting protection and restoring the tooth’s function.

3. When Are Dental Crowns Necessary?

Dental crowns are necessary in several situations, including:

• Severe Tooth Decay: When a cavity is too large for a simple filling, a crown may be needed to restore the tooth and prevent further decay.
• Cracked or Broken Teeth: If a tooth is fractured or weakened due to injury or wear, a crown can provide the necessary support to hold the tooth together and restore its function.
• After a Root Canal: If you’ve had a root canal treatment, a crown is often placed to protect the tooth and restore its shape and strength.
• To Improve Appearance: Crowns can be used to cover discolored or misshapen teeth, enhancing your smile’s overall appearance.
• To Protect a Tooth: Crowns can help protect a weakened tooth, such as one with a large filling, from further damage.

Essentially, dental crowns are used when a tooth is damaged, decayed, or weakened beyond what a filling can repair, providing a more durable and long-lasting solution.

4. Real-Life Example: How a Dental Crown Saved My Tooth

Let me share a real-life story about a patient named Lisa who came to me after cracking one of her back molars. She had been grinding her teeth at night, which eventually caused the tooth to crack. After examining the tooth, I recommended a dental crown as the best solution. We took impressions of her tooth and made a custom crown that would perfectly fit over the damaged area. The crown not only restored the function of her tooth but also prevented any further damage, ensuring it would last for many years.

Lisa was thrilled with the result, and after a few weeks, she reported no pain or discomfort. Her crown continued to work perfectly, and her tooth was protected from further damage. This is just one example of how dental crowns can be a game-changer in restoring both the function and appearance of a tooth.

5. Discover Dentistry Toothtruth’s Dental Care Solutions

If you think you may need a dental crown or are experiencing tooth problems, Dentistry Toothtruth can help. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing top-quality dental care, ensuring you have access to the latest solutions for tooth restoration. Whether you need a crown, filling, or other dental services, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

To learn more or book a consultation, visit Dentistry Toothtruth today!