Many people may require dental crowns for their damaged teeth, but some may not even know what a dental crown is. The need for a dental crown is pretty common nowadays, so understanding what they are and how they work is a great way to determine whether a person may need one.
Today, we will go over what dental crowns are, how they work, and what a procedure would entail.
Dental crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that gets placed right over an existing tooth that may have been damaged, eroded or decayed. This covering acts as a cap to restore what is left of the original tooth. A crown may be placed to restore the tooth’s look/color, shape, or even the size.
Dental crowns act a way to support a tooth that isn’t in the best shape whether it is because of decay or erosion. They are often used when a filling isn’t substantial enough for a tooth, or when a tooth has chipped in certain areas.
While dental crowns are typically recommended for people who have teeth that are badly damaged, they can also aid in restoring the appearance of a tooth that isn’t attractive to the eye.
How dental crowns work
Dental crowns work very simply, they are placed atop the damaged tooth in order to protect and shield it from further damage. Once it is placed, it then acts as a brand new top or covering to the tooth. The crown will hold the damaged tooth together and keep it from cracking, decay or breaking further.
A dentist will numb the existing tooth and the surrounding area. He or she will then drill around the area to remove any excess parts of the tooth so that the dental crown will fit perfectly. The dentist will need to take a molding of the tooth to ensure that the size of the crown is a perfect match. After receiving the crown back from being constructed, the dentist will cement it in place (atop the existing tooth). Once the crown sets in for a few minutes, the existing tooth no longer is harmful, and a person’s smile can be back to normal.
Dental procedures can be intimidating and being aware of what types of procedures exist can be helpful for people who may be anxious about dental problems.
Receiving a dental crown is a painless procedure that is only done in order to help a person restore teeth that might be damaged. Dental crowns act as a way for damaged teeth to be protected and shielded against further decay or erosion.
If you still have questions about dental crowns, then give us a call today. Our trained professionals would be happy to help you understand what dental crowns are and how they work.