|
Do you have a cracked or chipped tooth from trauma to your mouth? When your teeth are damaged, dental crowns can be applied by your dentist to improve function and appearance of your affected tooth. A dental crown may be used to protect a cracked tooth, restore functionality of a tooth with excessive decay or replace a pre-existing crown. When permanently placed, dental crowns fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. With the help of dental crowns, you can fully restore your smile to prevent the development of more severe dental health problems. Restore your Teeth with Dental Crowns When the damage to a tooth is extensive, a crown is often used to cover and improve strength for the weak tooth. Crowns can be used for various reasons, including: * To treat or protect a weak tooth, or those with large fillings
* To strengthen a fractured or broken tooth
* To enhance a tooth that is discolored or treated by a root canal
* To hold a dental bridge in place
* To cover a dental implant
* To provide a strong, smooth, attractive surface for stained, misshapen or abnormal teeth
* To improve the shape, size or color of teeth While conventional crowns have been used to strengthen teeth for decades with great success, they haven't always been able to improve appearance due to the dark metals used to fabricate the crowns. With recent advancements in dental technology and an increasingly high demand for esthetics from patients, crowns made of porcelain have emerged as a popular alternative to unsightly metal crowns. The Procedure and Aftercare During the dental crown procedure, your dentist will prepare the tooth, making a molded impression of the teeth to send to a dental laboratory. A fitted, temporary crown is created during this initial visit in order to protect the tooth while the final restoration is being made in the dental laboratory. Once the permanent crown is completed, it is permanently bonded to the damaged tooth. With recent technological advances, computer-aided design/manufacturing technology (CAD/CAM) has evolved to display a 3-D picture of the teeth. A restoration is created through the milling of a ceramic block and if it is located in the office, there will be no need for a temporary crown or return visit for final placement. After your procedure and your permanent crown has been placed, your dentist in Waterbury will provide you with information about how to properly care for your dental crown. In general, maintaining proper oral hygiene habits is necessary, brushing twice daily and flossing with dental floss at least once a day. These habits will help to remove plaque from the area where the crown meets the gum, and will help prevent dental decay and gum disease. Avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects as they can damage your crown. Also avoid biting your fingernails and grinding your teeth. This habit can significantly shorten the life-span of your dental crown. If you clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend wearing a nighttime mouth guard to help protect your crowns while sleeping. If you have damaged teeth, it is recommended that you visit your Waterbury dentist for further consultation on the best procedure for restoration. Your dentist can recommend the best treatment option for your damaged teeth in order to help you regain your natural smile.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Larry Erwich, a premier dentist in Waterbury. Dr. Larry Erwich, a Waterbury dentist, received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and went to dental school at The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his residency in general family practice in Wilmington, Delaware, opening his practice in Cheshire, CT in 1981.
|
