Is a Dental Crown the Right Treatment for You?
Without proper dental care and oral hygiene, probably no human would make it to old age with their natural teeth intact. In dentistry, however, one of our primary goals is to extend the life of each of our patient’s natural teeth. So, whenever possible, a dentist prefers to administer treatments that preserve and protect a natural tooth, rather than extracting it.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Also called a cap, a dental crown is a somewhat permanent dental appliance – unless it’s designed to be a temporary crown – that lasts for about 5 to 15 years. They are made of various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, various metals, resin, and combinations of metal and porcelain. Dental crowns are molded to fit over, repair, restore, and protect a compromised tooth while also seamlessly restoring a patient’s natural bite pattern and tooth appearance.
What Can Dental Crowns Do?
When a natural tooth’s structure has become compromised, a dental crown is often the best way to repair the damage and protect the tooth. Dental crowns can prevent a broken tooth from breaking apart, and they can prevent worsening tooth decay in a tooth that’s prone to cavities in addition to a variety of other useful applications.
Dental crowns are often an appropriate treatment in the following dental situations:
- Covering a discolored or misshapen tooth or otherwise improving the appearance of a tooth for aesthetic reasons
- Covering a tooth with a large amalgam filling
- Supporting and protecting a cracked, broken, or otherwise weakened tooth
- Preventing a dead tooth from falling apart
- Protecting and restoring a tooth following a root canal procedure
- Supporting a tooth that has significant damage due to tooth decay
- Protecting a significantly worn tooth from further wear and tear
- Covering a dental implant
- Holding a dental bridge in place
As you can see, there are several instances when a dental crown might be an appropriate option for your dental care.
What to Expect When You Need a Dental Crown
Getting a crown often requires two appointments. During the first, our dentist will take measurements and an impression of your tooth to have your permanent crown constructed for a perfect fit. During the second appointment, we’ll install your permanent crown, affixing it with permanent dental cement.
To learn more about dental caps and crowns or to schedule a consultation with our dentist in La Mesa, we welcome you to contact Cardinal Dental.
