Dental Crowns: Why They're Necessary for Oral Health

Dental crowns, or caps, are specifically designed to mend damaged or decayed teeth. Crowns can help improve your teeth' appearance while providing protection and support. If the dentist has recommended a dental crown, you must understand why it's necessary and how it can benefit your oral health.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps shaped like a tooth and placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are typically made from various materials like ceramic, porcelain, metal, or a combination of these materials. The crown is designed to cover the entire tooth, down to the gum line, and is cemented in place.

When Are They Needed?

There are several situations in which a dental crown may be necessary:

1. Tooth Decay: If the cavity is too large to be filled with a dental filling, a crown may be needed to protect the tooth from further damage.
2. Root Canal: After a root canal, the tooth may be weakened and require a crown to provide support and protection.
3. Cracked or Broken Tooth: If a tooth is cracked or broken, a crown can be used to restore the tooth's shape and strength.
4. Cosmetic Purposes: Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or have other cosmetic issues.
5. Dental Implants: Crowns are commonly used in conjunction with dental implants to replace missing teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Having Dental Crowns?

1. Protection: Crowns protect damaged or weakened teeth, helping to prevent further damage or decay.
2. Support: Crowns can provide support to teeth that have undergone a root canal or other dental procedure.
3. Restoration: Crowns restore the shape and function of damaged teeth, making it easier to eat and speak.
4. Cosmetic Improvement: Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or have other cosmetic issues.
5. Durability: Crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, providing a permanent solution for damaged or weakened teeth.

What to Expect from Getting One?

Getting a dental crown usually involves two separate appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist will remove any decay or damage and shape the tooth to fit the crown. The tooth's impression will be taken and forwarded to a dental laboratory; the crown will then be custom-made to fit the tooth.

A temporary crown is then placed over the tooth as protection until the permanent one is ready. During the follow-up appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown, while the permanent crown will be cemented in place.

How to Care for a Dental Crown?

Proper dental crown care is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Follow these tips for caring for your dental crown:

1. Brush and Floss Regularly: Like natural teeth, you must brush and floss regularly to keep your crown clean and plaque-free.
2. Avoid Chewing on Hard or Sticky Foods: Crowns are durable but can still be damaged by chewing on hard or sticky foods. Refrain from biting hard objects like ice or using your teeth to open packages.
3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Dental checkups are required to maintain the health of your crown and find potential issues before they become more serious.

Final Thoughts

Dental crowns are necessary and beneficial to restore damaged or weakened teeth while improving their appearance. If the dentist has recommended a dental crown, you need to understand why it's needed and how it can be advantageous to your oral health. With proper care, your dental crown can provide a long-lasting solution for your dental needs.

At Dental House MI, we offer dental crown fitting and installations to help our patients achieve optimal oral health. If you are thinking about a dental crown or have questions about the procedure, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our dentists in Ann Arbor and Waterford, MI, provide exceptional dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.