How Dental Crowns Can Save Damaged Teeth

Your teeth are strong, but even the strongest teeth can become damaged over time due to decay, trauma, or wear and tear. A damaged tooth can impact not only your smile but also your ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper oral health.

Thankfully, modern dentistry offers solutions to restore and protect compromised teeth, and dental crowns are one of the most effective options.

In this post, the Brandon Smiles Dentistry team will explore how dental crowns can save damaged teeth and restore your smile’s health and function.

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is basically a cap that fits over a damaged tooth, covering it entirely and restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are custom-made to match the natural color and contours of your teeth, making them a seamless addition to your smile.

Dental crowns are often recommended for teeth that are severely decayed, cracked, worn down, or weakened after a root canal procedure. By encasing the tooth, a crown provides protection against further damage and helps maintain the integrity of your bite.

The Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for restoring damaged teeth:

1. Protection: Crowns shield a damaged or weak tooth from further harm, reducing the risk of fractures or breakage.
2. Improved Function: With a crown in place, you can chew, bite, and speak normally again.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Crowns are designed to blend in with your natural teeth, restoring the beauty of your smile.
4. Longevity: With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years, providing a durable solution for tooth restoration.
5. Prevention: Crowns help prevent further decay or damage by sealing the tooth and protecting it from bacteria.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages. The most common types include:

• Porcelain Crowns: These are prized for their natural appearance and are ideal for restoring front teeth.
• Ceramic Crowns: Durable and aesthetically pleasing, ceramic crowns are also a popular choice for front teeth.
• Metal Crowns: Made from gold or other metal alloys, these crowns are extremely durable and are often used for back teeth.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: Combining the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain, these crowns are a versatile option.
• Zirconia Crowns: Known for their strength and natural appearance, zirconia crowns are a modern, high-performance option.

Your dentist will recommend the best material for your crown based on the location of the tooth, your budget, and your personal preferences.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

Getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to the dentist.

During the first visit, your dentist will examine and prepare the damaged tooth. This may involve removing any decay and reshaping the tooth to accommodate the crown. Impressions of your tooth will be taken to create a custom crown that fits perfectly. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth.

At your second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is carefully fitted and bonded to your tooth using dental cement. Once in place, the crown restores the tooth’s function and appearance, allowing you to enjoy a healthy smile once again.

Alternatives to Dental Crowns

While dental crowns are an excellent option for many patients, there are alternatives depending on the condition of your tooth:

• Dental Fillings: Suitable for minor cavities or small areas of decay.
• Inlays and Onlays: These are partial restorations that cover specific areas of a tooth, often used when the damage is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough for a crown.
• Dental Veneers: These thin shells cover only the front surface of a tooth, making them an aesthetic solution for minor damage or discoloration.
• Tooth Extraction and Replacement: In cases where a tooth is too damaged to save, extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge may be necessary.

Your dentist can help you determine the best treatment for your specific situation.

Why Choose Crowns for Repairing a Damaged Tooth?

Dental crowns are often the preferred choice for restoring damaged teeth because they offer a perfect balance of function, durability, and aesthetics. Unlike fillings or inlays, crowns provide full coverage and long-lasting protection, ensuring the tooth is completely sealed and shielded from further damage.

Crowns are particularly effective for teeth that have been severely compromised by decay, fractures, or root canals. By choosing a crown, you not only restore the tooth but also prevent more extensive dental work in the future.

Dental Crowns at Brandon Smiles Dentistry

At Brandon Smiles Dentistry, we understand how important it is to have a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. That’s why we offer high-quality dental crowns to restore damaged teeth and improve your oral health.

Our skilled dental team uses advanced technology and materials to create custom crowns that fit seamlessly into your smile. Whether you need a crown to protect a weakened tooth, repair a crack, or restore a tooth after a root canal, we are here to help.

Don’t let a damaged tooth compromise your smile or your confidence. Book an appointment with Brandon Smiles Dentistry today to learn more about how dental crowns can save your teeth and keep your smile looking its best!