Our first approach to dental care is the prevention of decay. When restorations are necessary, it is our goal to provide our patients with the most conservative treatment possible while still ensuring an excellent, long-lasting result. In some cases, when tooth decay or injury has significantly damaged a tooth, a dental crown may be the best solution to restore function and aesthetics.
When are dental crowns used?
Dental crowns have been used for many years in instances such as:
- A broken tooth needs repair
- To restore a tooth damaged from decay
- A large filling needs to be replaced
- As part of a dental implant restoration or bridge
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a full-tooth restoration that completely covers a tooth all the way down to the gum line. When a crown is placed, a fair portion of natural tooth structure is removed, especially when decay is present or a filling is being replaced. When placing a dental crown, Dr. Fry assures patient comfort through the application of local anesthetic. Once the tooth is reduced in size, an impression is taken. The mold made from this impression serves as a guide for the creation of a dental crown.
Dental crowns come in a variety of materials, making this a restoration that anyone can tolerate. Gold has long been an option for a very long lasting crown, due to the inherent strength of the material. However, many people do not like the idea of gold flashing in their smile. To that end, one of the most commonly used dental crowns is the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. Consisting of a strong base made of a gold and an overlay of porcelain, this crown provides the strength needed to sustain the force of chewing, and also a naturally beautiful smile. Additionally, crowns are often completely made from porcelain, zirconium, or a combination of zirconium and porcelain for those who prefer a metal-free restoration.
Dental crowns and bridges
A dental crown may also be used as a part of the dental bridge, which is a treatment designed to repair a missing tooth. A bridge may be used to fill in the gap left by a single tooth or several teeth, restoring function to chewing and speaking while also improving the look of the smile. When a dental bridge is used, the teeth on each side of the gap are used as support anchors for the bridge itself. Each of the anchor teeth is fitted with a dental crown that is also affixed to the bridge, which contains a permanently attached prosthetic that fits perfectly into the gap left by a missing tooth.
We all want to feel great about our smiles. With dental crowns or bridges, your smile can be restored to a beautifully functional state.
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