Benefits of a Dental Crown and Why You May Need One
If you've been told you need a dental crown, it can be difficult to understand why and how it will benefit your oral health. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to protect it and improve its appearance, so understanding what it is and what it does can help you better understand why you may need one.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is made to look like a natural tooth, and covers over what remains of the existing natural tooth. If there is decay, the decay is removed. If the decay is minimal then all that may be needed is a filling, but if too much tooth structure has been lost, then a crown is needed. The crown restores the tooths, function, strength and improves its appearance. Whether you need a dental crown depends on the extent of damage to your tooth.
Reasons for Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns can be used to fix a variety of dental issues. Some common reasons for getting a dental crown include:
- Repairing and restoring cracked, broken or severely worn down teeth;
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or further decay;
- To cover misshapen or discolored teeth;
- To hold a bridge in place; and
- To cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns available, each made from different materials. The most common types of dental crowns are porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, and resin composite materials. The most common are porcelain, resins, and ceramic because they most closely match the look of real teeth. Ceramic is a great choice because of its strength, color-match capabilities, and sheen that closely mimics the look of natural enamel.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer several benefits, including:
- Improved appearance;
- Restored strength and function to the tooth;
- Improved protection against further damage or decay;
- Improved ability to chew food comfortably; and
- Increased confidence in your smile.
A dental crown is an effective solution for restoring the function and strength of a damaged or decayed tooth. A dental crown can last for many years with good homecare, they can bring function back to your tooth and will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
We are a dental clinic in Salem, MA that restores and builds healthy smiles. If you are in our area and have questions about your smile, we are here for you.
