If you have teeth that have been damaged from cavities, accidents, or wear and tear, they can often be easily fixed with a dental crown. Dental crowns are a tried-and-true way of restoring teeth that may have been damaged. Learn more about how dental crowns from Dentist of West Covina can make your smile look amazing.
A dental crown is a synthetic cap that is placed over the top of a tooth. Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials. Modern dental crown materials are safe and nontoxic and can include porcelain, composite resin, various metals such as gold, and other materials that can blend in with your natural teeth. Dental crowns are also called caps, so you may have heard of the term dental cap instead of crown.
Dental crowns are used for a variety of applications when it comes to oral health. One of the most common uses for a dental crown is to repair a tooth that has been damaged by a cavity. A dental crown may also be used to strengthen a tooth that has been worked after a root canal treatment.
The dental crown covers the exposed part of the tooth, keeping it safe and protected from outside elements.
Dental crowns can also be used for prosthetic reasons, such as covering up teeth that are severely stained or misshapen.
Dental crowns are also used to replace missing teeth. In one scenario, a crown can be placed on top of a dental implant, which is a screw that goes into the jaw. Dental crowns can replace missing teeth with what is called a fixed bridge. In a fixed dental bridge, two dental crowns are placed on the adjacent teeth, surrounding the area where the new tooth is going to be placed. The crowns secure the new tooth and keep it stable.
When you come into our dental office at Dentist of West Covina, we will review your particular case. A comprehensive dental exam will be conducted, and images such as digital X-rays will be taken. If a tooth has been damaged severely by a cavity, an accident, or some other event, then a dental crown might be a good option. However, it’s not the only option. Our staff will discuss your various options and our dentist will recommend what we think is best for you.
If a dental crown is the best option, then we will take measurements to make sure that we will have the right size crown to match the rest of the teeth.
How the crown is secured depends on what the crown is needed for. If the crown is completely replacing a tooth, then it might be secured to a dental implant. In this case, you'll need a separate appointment where the dental implant will be placed into the jaw. Once the dental implant has healed, then the crown will be secured.
If the crown is part of a fixed bridge, then we would perform a different process to secure the fixed bridge into place.
In many cases, the dental crown is simply placed over an existing tooth. This is a quick and easy procedure, and it should be fairly painless. We first secure the crown and make sure it blends in and matches the rest of your teeth. A safe and nontoxic bonding material is applied to make sure that the crown will remain stable in the mouth.
Dental crowns are just one way to protect and restore teeth. However, they are not the only option. If you have a cavity, for example, you might be able to secure the tooth with a composite filling. Composite fillings are safe and nontoxic and can be quite durable if taken care of properly. It can also be a more affordable option than a full dental crown and is very flexible. The composite filling can be shaped into almost any configuration. It can also be mixed to match your tooth color.
Another way to protect teeth that have been damaged with a cavity or some breakage is through what are called porcelain inlays or onlays. Porcelain inlays or onlays are custom-made coverings that go in or on a tooth. Because they are made from porcelain, they are extremely strong and long-lasting. These are often a great alternative to a full dental crown. If this option is available to you, we will definitely let you know and discuss it with you.
If you have a cavity or think you might have a cavity, then a dental crown might be a good option for you. Have you had any other damage to your teeth, such as a cracked tooth? Then you should come and see us right away. We will determine whether a dental crown might be the best solution.
The worst thing to do in all these cases is just to ignore the damage to your tooth. Without protecting the tooth, you could be setting it up for further decay and damage. In the worst-case scenario, not protecting the tooth could mean that you might lose the tooth entirely. So don’t delay if you think you might need a dental crown. Come visit us as soon as possible at Dentist of West Covina.
If your dental crown is needed for restorative purposes, and especially to ensure the proper functionality of your teeth, then your dental health insurance might cover some or all of the cost.
Dentist of West Covina is a premier provider of dental services in Southern California. We offer a full array of restorative dental procedures. This includes dental crowns, composite fillings, and porcelain inlays and onlays. The right solution for you will depend on your unique circumstances. The best way to find out if custom dental crowns are right for you is to come in for a consultation. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you.
If you think you might benefit from a dental crown, Dentist of West Covina can help. Contact us today at (626) 605-6601 to schedule an appointment. Renew your smile today with a custom dental crown!
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