If you have a damaged tooth, our dentist at Premier Dentistry of Eagle may recommend a dental crown. A dental crown is a restoration that covers the entire tooth surface and is cemented in place. Crowns are made of different materials, including porcelain, gold, and alloys. In this blog post, we will discuss when our dentist might recommend a dental crown and what you can expect from the treatment process.

How Does a Tooth Become Damaged?

Teeth may become damaged due to decay, trauma, or a combination of the two. Decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that interacts with food and drink particles. The bacteria turn into acid, which attacks the enamel on your teeth and causes cavities. Trauma can be caused by an injury to the face or jaw that chips or cracks the tooth.

When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?

A dental crown is usually recommended when a cavity has become too large for a regular filling. Or, if there is significant wear and tear on the tooth, or when the tooth has been cracked or chipped. The goal of a dental crown is to restore the function and strength of the tooth and protect it from further damage.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire visible portion of your tooth. When our dentist recommends a crown, it is usually to strengthen a damaged tooth or improve its appearance. Crowns can also be used to hold together parts of a cracked tooth or restore one that has been severely worn down.

When to Get a Dental Crown

You may need a dental crown for several reasons, including:

• Protecting a weak tooth (possibly from decay) from breaking or to keep the weak tooth together if parts of it are cracked.
• Restoring a broken tooth or a severely worn down tooth.
• Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling and not much tooth remaining.
• Holding a dental bridge in place.
• Covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
• Covering a dental implant.
• Covering a tooth that’s been treated with a root canal.

Types of Crowns

The type of crown that is right for you will depend on your individual situation and the location of the tooth. Our dentist may recommend a porcelain or ceramic crown if it’s visible when you smile, as these materials mimic the appearance of natural teeth. For molars and other teeth in the back of your mouth, our dentist may recommend a metal crown because they are stronger. However, some metals can cause an allergic reaction and may not be suitable for everyone.

Dental onlays repairs damage on the cusp — the elevated part of the tooth surface. These are made from a porcelain or gold material, and they cover only the damaged part of the tooth.

Crowns restore a severely worn down or broken tooth. Covering the entire tooth can stop further damage and possibly save the tooth.

The Treatment Process

Once our dentist in Eagle has determined that a dental crown is the best option for your tooth, they will first prepare your tooth by removing any decay and then shaping it so that the crown can fit properly. Then, an impression of your teeth will be taken. From there, it will be sent to a laboratory where your custom-made crown will be created. You may be given a temporary crown until your permanent one arrives, which can take a couple of weeks. When the permanent crown is ready, our dentist will check the fit and color before bonding it to your tooth using special cement.

With proper care, a dental crown can last for many years. Our dentist at Premier Dentistry of Eagle will be able to provide you with more information about dental crowns and how they can help protect and restore your smile.

When Don’t Crowns Work?

In some cases, a dental crown may not be the best solution for your tooth. For instance, if you have a large cavity or filling that can be treated with a composite bonding material, our dentist may suggest this option instead of a crown. Also, in some cases, an implant or bridge may be the better option than a crown when one or more teeth are missing.

Make an Appointment with Our Dentist in Eagle

If you think that you may need a crown, contact Premier Dentistry of Eagle today to make an appointment. Our experienced team can assess your individual situation and provide the care you need to restore your smile.