Are you in need of a dental crown? Whether your dentist recommends it for a severely decayed tooth or you have a tooth that has been damaged in some way, a crown is a very common solution. A crown is an artificial tooth, sometimes known as a cap, that fits over the existing tooth to strengthen and protect it.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
There are many benefits to getting a tooth crown as a restoration procedure, such as:
- – Root Preservation. One of the biggest advantages of a crown is that the existing tooth root is preserved and can continue to function as it normally would without the crown.
- – Natural look. Crowns are made of porcelain, ceramic, or resin, all of which closely resemble natural tooth material. Crowns can be made to match the color, size, and shape of your existing teeth for a natural look.
- – Natural function. Crowns function just like your natural teeth. You can usually eat anything you were able to eat before with your natural tooth.
- – Easy maintenance. You brush and floss your teeth with a crown in place just as you do the rest of your teeth. There are no special instructions for crown maintenance.
Reasons for Dental Crowns
There are a variety of different reasons that a dentist may recommend a tooth crown for a patient, including:
- – Severe decay. If you have a tooth or multiple teeth that are severely decayed to the point where a filling would not be sufficient, a crown may be recommended.
- – Cracked tooth. A crack in a tooth may require a crown if the crack is deep enough. Sometimes a crack can be corrected with a filling, but there’s a chance the crack will worsen without a crown.
- – Broken tooth. A broken tooth can usually be corrected with a crown if the break does not go below the gum line and as long as there is enough tooth left to attach the crown. In some cases the remaining tooth will be built up with resin so that there is enough material to support the crown.
- – Failing cavity filling. If you have an old filling in a tooth that falls out or a tooth that has a significant amount of filling, it may need to be replaced with a crown.
- – Support for a dental bridge. A bridge is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth. A bridge is usually secured by crowns that are placed over the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
What a Crown Procedure Entails
To be fitted for a crown, the natural tooth must first be filed down to a smaller size. This can usually be done with local anesthesia as with a cavity filling. An impression is then made of the tooth and sent to a lab to create the crown. A temporary crown will be placed over the tooth for a few weeks until the permanent crown comes in from the lab. When it comes in you’ll go back to the dentist to have it fitted. If the crown fits properly it will be permanently cemented into place.
Why Get a Crown Instead of Having the Tooth Pulled?
When a tooth is decayed or damaged, many patients consider having the tooth pulled instead of restored with a crown to save money. But having the tooth removed can cause problems. Your other teeth may shift out of place when one is removed. The missing tooth can cause a weakness in your jaw at the site. It can also be harder to chew when you’re missing a tooth, potentially causing pain in the gums where the tooth was.
Dental crowns can preserve teeth and last for many years, potentially for the rest of your life. The benefit is worth the cost, and whether or not you have dental insurance, financing and payment plans can make the cost more affordable.
Where to Get a Dental Crown in Savannah, GA
If you’re in need of a tooth crown, Savannah Dental Solutions provides a full range of dental services from preventive care to cosmetic dentistry in Savannah for patients of all ages. We strive to make all procedures as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Call (912) 354-1366 or contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping preserve your teeth for a lifetime.
