Although teeth are strong, there are some cases where they become damaged and patients have to decide between dental crowns and tooth extraction. A dental crown is a way to both save an existing tooth and repair it to restore its functionality.
Crowns are fitted to the individual patient’s existing teeth and are designed to fit on top of the remaining tooth structure. Dr. Brent L. Blaylock can create and place crowns for his patients for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Read on to learn about the benefits of dental crowns and how they protect your oral health.
1. Crowns can restore the appearance of teeth.
An unintended side effect of a dental crown is its ability to restore your smile’s appearance. While the dental crown treatment is meant to repair teeth and relieve dental discomfort, they can also correct misshapen teeth, discoloration, chips, cracks, or fractures. Sometimes dentists recommend crowns as a cosmetic treatment, like porcelain veneers. An individual consultation with your dentist will help you decide what treatment is best for you.
2. Crowns help relieve discomfort.
Dental crowns are often used to complete restorative treatment, such as after a root canal or to repair damage to the tooth’s structure. If you suffer from extensive decay, an infection of a tooth’s root, or injury to your tooth enamel such as a fracture, chip, or break, you may feel pain when you eat or drink. If the issue is severe enough, you may have constant discomfort.
Once the underlying problem is addressed, the remaining portion of the tooth may still be vulnerable to further damage or discomfort. A dental crown can protect your tooth against further damage while also reducing sensitivity.
3. Crowns are custom-made for you.
The dental lab will design your dental crown to match the shape, size, and hue of your existing tooth. Once the slight soreness around the area subsides, you will most likely forget you even have a crown and most people probably won’t be able to notice unless you tell them.
4. Crowns are a simple procedure.
This treatment is minimally invasive and relatively straightforward. The damaged part of the tooth is removed and the healthy parts of the tooth are shaped to securely hold a crown. Next, your dentist makes a mold of the tooth and sends it to a lab where the crown will be cast. Your dentist will place a temporary crown while you wait for the crown, which usually takes about two weeks. When the crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed and is held in place with a strong bonding cement.
Are Dental Crowns Right For You?
Dental crowns are a well-established restorative dentistry treatment that provide reliable, effective results. Contact Dr. Blaylock’s team by calling 919.518.9963 or schedule an appointment online. We want to help you restore your smile and protect your oral health!