Dental crowns are one of the most flexible tools a dentist has in their arsenal. They can treat a variety of conditions, both restorative and cosmetic. Dr. Emily Ann Reece of Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry discusses the uses of Cary, NC dental crowns.
Stabilizing a Tooth
One of the most common uses of dental crowns is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. A root canal procedure removes infected dental pulp from inside the center of the tooth. Though this area is filled with a biocompatible material, the tooth may not be back to full functionality. A dental crown allows you to fully use your tooth again and seals it off from further infection.
Covering a Misshapen or Discolored Tooth
If you have a misshapen or discolored tooth, you may spend too much time trying to hide it in your smile. Depending on the defect and where the misshapen tooth is in your mouth, it can also impact your ability to eat or speak. A dental crown covers the entire tooth and is made to blend in with the rest of your smile. It also gives you back the full functionality in that tooth.
Though discolored teeth are usually taken care of with professional teeth whitening, a “dead” tooth or one discolored by genetics can’t always be treated in that way. A dental crown is colored to match the rest of your teeth or the shade of white you’re looking for. It goes completely over the tooth so none of the discolored tooth is shown.
Treating a Broken or Cracked Tooth
A cosmetic chip or crack is one thing, but a more severe one can’t be left alone. When a chunk of a tooth is broken off, it exposes the dental nerves. It makes it painful for those to come into contact with anything. A dental crown can replace the broken part and restore full functionality to the tooth, without pain.
A cracked tooth can splinter into multiple pieces and exposes the dental pulp inside to potential infection. A dental crown helps to avoid the consequences of removing a natural tooth. The crown can hold the cracked pieces of the tooth together and protect the dental pulp from bacteria.
The Final Restoration for Dental Implants
Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. A dental crown is the most common final restoration that’s used for dental implants. Particularly when a crown is used, an implant both looks and feels the most like a natural tooth when used as a tooth replacement option. It blends in seamlessly with your smile and gives you 100% of your bite function back.
Getting Dental Crowns in Cary, North Carolina
Do you think a dental crown can help you with a dental problem? Call us or schedule an appointment online.