While it may sound like a dental procedure reserved for royalty, thousands of dental crowns are performed every day all across the country. If your dentist has told you that you need a crown (with or without a dental bridge), you might be confused about how the procedure works. Here’s some info from the experts at ZDental about dental crowns and dental bridges to help you make an educated decision about your oral health.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown is an artificial cap that covers an existing tooth which has been specially prepped by removing a portion of its outer surface. In some cases, crowns are used to replace a tooth which has severe decay or other damage, but which still has a strong root system and does not need to be fully removed. In other cases, a crown can be placed on a healthy tooth and used as an anchor point for a dental bridge which replaces a missing tooth or teeth. Although crowns and bridges are artificial, they are cast to match the appearance of your original teeth as closely as possible, allowing you to regain your smile.
Why Are Dental Crowns Used?
There are many reasons why treatment with a dental crown may be necessary. Tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions can cause damage to the teeth, eventually causing them to fall out. Treatment with a dental crown can allow damaged tooth material to be removed, stopping decay before it gets to the sensitive root system. Injuries and accidents are also common reasons for a dental crown; when teeth become cracked or chipped, a crown can support the tooth’s structure, preventing future problems.
When it comes to missing teeth, the combination of a crown and bridge not only fills in the space between your healthy teeth, it also prevents them from shifting to create gaps in other areas. A bridge and crown imparts a whole host of other benefits as well, discouraging further tooth decay, slowing the progression of gum disease, improving the appearance of your smile, and even resolving any problems you may be having with speech and chewing.
Installing a Dental Crown
Your dental crown procedure will take place over the course of several appointments. First, your tooth will be shaped to fit inside your new crown. When the proper shape and size is achieved, impressions are taken which will be used to construct the crown. If necessary, a dental bridge can be molded into the crown which will take the place of any missing teeth. Because this process normally takes 2-3 weeks, a temporary crown is installed to protect the tooth during that time. Once your permanent crown is completed, the temporary crown is removed and the new one is put in its place, affixed with strong cement that will keep it there for many years to come.
If you have missing teeth, or any teeth that or too damaged to be repaired with fillings, your dentist has likely already recommended a dental crown procedure. We hope that reading this blog post has alleviated any concerns you may be having about getting it done. While it may seem intimidating, it’s actually one of the most commonly formed dental procedures in the country. If you live in the Philadelphia area or New Jersey, ZDental would love to be your dentist of choice for any crown or bridge procedures. Take a look at our contact page to find the ZDental location closest to you!
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