Dental crowns are used by dentists to recreate the appearance of natural teeth in cases where a tooth has been cracked or broken, or is heavily decayed. Crowns can also be used to support teeth that are structurally compromised, perhaps through numerous fillings, and to conceal the entry point of root canal treatment.
Dental crowns are tooth coverings that cover the entire surface of the tooth, and can be shaded and shaped to provide a natural-looking appearance to the smile. The crown is most commonly constructed from porcelain, but they can also be constructed from other materials. The type of material used will depend on the location of the tooth to be crowned, and also the likely amount of stress that the crown will be expected to undergo throughout its life. [pullquote]Dental crowns are tooth coverings that cover the entire surface of the tooth, and can be shaded and shaped to provide a natural-looking appearance to the smile.[/pullquote]
Crowns can be used to conceal teeth that are damaged by cracks, pits, chips or are broken. They can also be used to conceal teeth that are severely discolored and to elongate teeth that are small in comparison and relationship to other teeth around them.
The procedure of dental crowns involves the dentist removing a small amount of the tooth’s enamel, and then using dental putty to take impressions of the tooth. From the impressions, a permanent dental crown is fashioned in a dental lab before being cemented into place atop the tooth. The crown not only helps to give a natural appearance to the tooth, and subsequently the smile, but it also works with the underlying tooth structure to provide and maintain the function of a proper tooth, aiding in speech and maintaining bite pattern and strength.
Dental crowns can be cared for in much the same fashion as natural teeth. As a permanent solution, they don’t require removal or special cleaning, and so simply by keeping to a regular dental health program involving cleaning teeth with a good toothpaste, regular flossing and checkups with a dentist are all that’s required to keep dental crowns looking their best while also functioning as intended.
To learn more about the benefits of dental crowns, contact the office of Drs. Bonner and Huriega at 210-616-0858 and schedule your consultation today.
