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Do you have damage to one tooth or more? If so, dental crowns may be the restorative solution to protecting and strengthening your damaged tooth. Dental crowns, or "caps," preserve the functionality of your teeth that have been broken or chipped to some degree. For tooth decay or damage that is so extensive that veneers, direct composite bonding or other conservative treatments do not work appropriately, your dentist may recommend dental crowns. The purpose of a dental crown is to encase a needy tooth with a custom-designed material. There are a variety of conservative treatment options that can help to restore your teeth. Restoring your teeth with dental crowns essentially creates a new outer surface for your tooth, restoring your tooth to its original shape. It is easy to see how your crown can strengthen your tooth and restore it back to proper functioning. What is a Dental Crown? Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that fully cups over the portion of a tooth that lies at and above your gum line. Rather than replacing a damaged tooth, a crown is used to strengthen your existing tooth in order to preserve its usefulness. Dental crowns are used in restoration for the following reasons:
• To restore a tooth to its original shape
• To strengthen a tooth
• To improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth
If the damage to your tooth is significant enough that the remaining tooth is too weak to support a filling, a crown will be used to strengthen your tooth and protect it from further damage. If your tooth is cracked, a crown will hold the tooth together to seal the cracks so that damage does not get any worse than it already is. Consultation and Treatment Procedure Part of your consultation for a crown may involve taking impressions of your existing tooth as a basis for creating the shape and size of your restoration. In certain cases, your crowns may be used as part of a smile makeover, as crowns today can be fabricated to improve not only a weakened structure, but the appearance of your damaged tooth as well. With the impressions, models for designing the new length, shape and alignment of your teeth are created in order for you to be able to preview your new smile. Through your consultation, your dentist will also describe the preparation process and your options in regards to local anesthesia, if necessary. During the procedure, a fitted, temporary crown is created during your first visit to temporarily protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated at the laboratory. Once completed, the crown is cemented or adhesively bonded to your damaged tooth. After your crown has been permanently placed, your dentist will provide you with a wide array of information about caring for your new restoration. Maintaining proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth will help in protecting your teeth and to maintain the life of your crown. If you have damaged your tooth, a consultation with your Naperville dentist will be in order. Your smile no longer has to wait for protection.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier dentist in Aurora, Dr. Nasima Thobani. Serving patients in Naperville, Plainfield and Aurora, she crafts beautiful restorations from the highest quality materials that are metal-free. Providing services in areas such as Invisalign in Naperville, Dr. Thobani is committed to providing the best in quality dental care to patients of all ages.
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