Dental decay, trauma and disease can wreak havoc on your smile and your oral health. Dental crowns are a valuable restorative solution that can be used in multiple applications. Saving a natural tooth is always the goal of the dentist and it is a better alternative than extraction. It is more beneficial to your general health as well as your oral health.
Salvaging Decayed or Broken Teeth
Many people feel that it is better to extract a problematic tooth. However, that is not the case at all. Extracting adult teeth can lead to more problems in the future. The remaining teeth tend to drift into the open spot causing bite and spacing issues. This can make it difficult to chew, depending on the extraction site.
Dental crowns have been used to successfully salvage broken, damaged and badly decayed teeth for decades. They are a type of dental cap which covers and protects a tooth, restoring both form and function. Porcelain is a common choice for crown applications because it is natural looking, durable and stain resistant, but there are other options.
Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth has been impacted due to trauma or infection, it may be necessary to undergo root canal therapy. During this procedure the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed along with any infected tissue. The tooth is then thoroughly cleaned and sealed. A dental crown is often placed to protect the integrity of the tooth.
Dental crowns provide many restorative benefits. They improve the appearance and shape of badly damaged or decayed teeth and are often used to repair cracked, chipped or broken teeth. Dental crowns restore form as well as function and they can be crafted to match the color of existing teeth. They can also be used to strengthen weak teeth which may be otherwise susceptible to damage. Patients who wish to preserve their natural teeth despite damage can often benefit from dental crowns.
If you are dealing with damage or decay, make an appointment with our office to see if you can benefit from a dental crown. If you have been told you need a crown and have been putting it off, call our office today. Let us help you restore your oral health and your smile.
