What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a type of casing that fully encases the tooth and is formed around the tooth in order to improve its aesthetics or reinforce its shape or structure. A dental crown is typically employed in the following situations:

• Holding a dental bridge in place
• Covering a dental implant
• Protecting an at-risk tooth from further damage
• Repairing a cracked or chipped tooth
• Concealing discolored teeth
• Supporting teeth with large fillings and little tooth matter

 

Is a Crown for You?

While your dentist usually knows best what procedure you need, it is still important that you are informed of the different options available as alternatives to a dental crown. Dental crowns are often useful and sometimes necessary depending on the situation. However, there are some possible complications.

For example, say you notice signs of decay in your teeth so you go to a dentist to get it checked out. Your dentist may suggest that you get an amalgam treatment to restore the tooth. After some time of successfully solving the issue, the amalgam could be damaged by tooth fracture or otherwise fail. When you return to the dentist to have this looked at, he or she will likely suggest that you get it capped with a crown. These crowns can be made of ceramic, ceramic & metal, or all metal (such as gold). This capping can damage or even kill the tooth nerve; dead nerves are extremely painful and need to be attended by a dentist. A root canal or tooth extraction is often necessary at that point. It is estimated that approximately fifteen percent of crowned teeth eventually need further treatment due to a damaged nerve. As such you should fully consider all alternative approaches in order to minimize damage to your teeth.

Call Genuine Family Dentistry at (714)-282-9131 for more information or to schedule an appointment today.

For a Weakened Tooth…

If you are considering a dental crown to reinforce an at-risk tooth, also take a moment to consider the following options:

• Get a Filling: if your tooth is broken or decayed, it is imperative that you get it taken care of. While not necessarily the best long-term solution, a filling is an affordable and simple fix.
• Do nothing: If the issue isn’t pressing, leave the tooth as it is. Trying to solve a problem that isn’t causing you any strife may end up being unnecessarily painful and messy.
• Get an inlay or onlay: This is a good option in cases where preparing the tooth for a crown would damage the natural structure too much.
• Get the tooth extracted: If the tooth is causing a great deal of trouble and is putting you at risk for things like infection, it is better to have it pulled and look at options for filling the space.

 

For Cosmetic Purposes…

If you are considering a dental crown as an aesthetic solution, also take a moment to consider the following options:

• Traditional Whitening: This can be done at home with various OTC tooth whitening products, or with professional-grade whitening products available at a dentist’s office.
• Braces: Braces are still one of the best methods for achieving a healthy, good looking smile.
• Veneers: Veneers can offer a more aesthetically pleasing view of your teeth while still allowing you full use and function.
• Extraction: If the tooth is really bothering you, you can get it pulled and look at options for getting the remaining teeth to fill the space.

 

Why Choose Genuine Family Dentistry?

Here at Genuine Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service and outstanding oral health for your entire family. We provide a wide range of dental services that are available to people of all ages from all walks of life. You can reach us at (714)-282-9131 for more information or to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with all of your dental needs.