Placing dental crowns is routine but not in the sense that everyone who comes to see our Southgate, MI, dentists needs one. A thorough exam is performed first and we’ll make a professional recommendation before putting the “cap” on your tooth.
Here are 4 situations where the may be in your best interest.
The Functionality of Crowns
A is primarily designed to protect a natural tooth that’s located underneath. Think of them like a helmet for your tooth. Of course, there is also the added benefit that crowns aesthetically look nice and seamlessly blend in with a patient’s smile.
A form of permanent dental restoration, crowns will firmly stay put once cemented in place by our dentists. The most popular type of crowns are made of tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic, though pediatric dentists often use stainless steel crowns for children.
You Can Expect a Dental Crown If:
Your Tooth Has a Severe Crack
Teeth that have broken or suffered damage of any kind are at risk for decay and infection. If the tooth is cracked, pieces of it may even have trouble staying together. Fortunately, our dentists can use a porcelain crown to help strengthen your tooth in either situation.
With a protective crown on top, your tooth can be restored and function like normal. You’ll need to care for the new crown much like your actual teeth. This means avoiding breakage when possible. No chewing on ice, hard candies, or using your teeth as tools.
We Find Extensive Tooth Decay
Sometimes a cavity is large enough that a tooth-colored filling alone won’t work. When this happens, our dentists will instead place a crown after the decay has been taken out and the tooth is cleaned.
Much like a composite resin filling, a dental crown is made to match the shade of your natural enamel. This makes it difficult for others to spot your restoration when you smile, speak, or laugh.
You Also Need a Root Canal
Root canal therapy requires our dentists to remove any infected pulp from within a tooth. This is done through a small access hole in the tooth made by a dental drill. Thanks to numbing medication and local anesthetic, the procedure is relatively painless for patients.
Related Post → Root Canal vs. Filling: Which Does Your Tooth Need?
At the end of the procedure, your tooth is cleaned and sealed with a filling so bacteria cannot re-enter. It is very common for patients to then have a dental crown placed to protect the vulnerable tooth and the temporary filling removed.
There’s Evidence of Bruxism
Many adults suffer from a condition known as bruxism which is a term used to describe excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth. Not all are aware of these behaviors, however, as a majority of individuals grind or clench while asleep.
It’s not unheard of for patients experiencing bruxism to wear down teeth or even break one, depending on the severity of their condition. Our dentists will subsequently repair any affected tooth with a crown and create a custom-made night guard if a similar device is not already being used.
Strengthen Your Smile With a Crown
Our dentists in Southgate, MI, want what’s best for you and sometimes that’s a dental crown. It’s a great way to build your tooth back up, shield it underneath durable porcelain, and avoid the need for more invasive procedures. Call Northline Dental today at (734) 284-8088 to request an appointment.