Dental Crowns: What Are They, How Do They Work, and When Are They Necessary?

Dental crowns are one of the most common dental procedures. They allow you to strengthen a brittle tooth and restore your smile in both function and appearance. Your go-to dentist in Aubrey, TX, may recommend a crown if you removed a large cavity, suffered an accident resulting in a fracture, or are simply looking for a healthy way to improve your smile.  

We created this guide to help you understand the benefits of a crown treatment and why you may need one.  

What Are Dental Crowns?  

Dental crowns are cap-like tooth covers used to cover misshapen, damaged, or discolored teeth. They are a long-term way to strengthen and preserve the tooth while returning it to its normal size or shape. Crows also serve as prosthetic teeth on top of dental implants and are bonded to dental bridges.

Crowns can be crafted from various materials, including metal, ceramic (porcelain), or both. Your dentist's choice of material will be determined by your requirements, preferences, and the material's availability. Crowns also help restore damaged teeth in size, shape, and appearance.  

The process of fitting a crown involves shaping your tooth, taking an impression to create the crown, and then permanently cementing the crown onto the tooth. While the final restoration is made, a temporary crown made of composite resin, acrylic, or another plastic material will be placed.  

Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?  

Dental crowns are usually advised once a cavity has eroded more than 50% of the tooth. By replacing the missing tooth structure with it, dentists can provide a restoration that is more resilient to fracture and better sealed than a typical filling.  

Following root canal therapy, crowns are frequently placed on molars because chewing forces most frequently strain these teeth. Your molar may become weaker after its internal nerve is removed, necessitating a restoration that can withstand the forceful bite forces of chewing.  

Moreover, dental crowns are an effective method of enhancing the appearance of teeth. Because they’re custom-designed in a dental lab, a technician will ensure they perfectly match your surrounding teeth in color, shape, and length, seamlessly blending into your smile.

A dental crown may also be recommended for:  

• To shield a tooth that is broken or weak  

• To bridge the space left by a lost tooth  

• To make a discolored or malformed tooth look better  

• On top of a dental implant  

• To secure a dental bridge  

Protect Your Smile for Years to Come with a Dentist in Aubrey, TX  

There’s no dental restoration more resistant than your natural teeth. However, when these suffer considerable damage, a dental crown could be necessary to help restore its structure and protect it for years to come.

The overall objective, in the long run, is to maintain and support your natural teeth as much as possible, preventing dental extractions and having to explore other restorative options. If your dentist has suggested a dental crown, or you have any doubts about this procedure, contact Savannah Dental today and let us answer all your doubts!