Has your tooth been badly damaged or severely weakened by decay? Chances are your dentist or prosthodontist will recommend a dental crown to repair and protect it. These restorations are excellent for keeping your smile healthy and whole, but how much do you really know about them? Here are 5 facts about dental crowns in Boca Raton that every patient should keep in mind.
1. Taking Care of Dental Crowns is Just Like Taking Care of Natural Teeth
Crowns are usually made from metals or ceramics, which are very durable and aren’t vulnerable to cavities. However, they can still collect bacteria, food particles and plaque, which can put the teeth they protect at risk for further decay and make gum disease in the surrounding area more likely. To protect your oral health, you should treat your dental crowns just like your other teeth, which means brushing and flossing them thoroughly twice a day.
2. You’ll Usually Get a Crown After Root Canal Treatment
Part of a root canal treatment is making a hole in the tooth so that the infected pulp inside can be removed, leaving it weakened afterwards. In order for the tooth to continue functioning naturally, you may need to get a dental crown to protect it. This is especially true for the molars near the back of the mouth that play an important role in chewing. (Your front teeth might not require crowns, although each patient is different.)
3. Crowns are Used When Fillings Aren’t Enough
Typically, if there’s a cavity in your mouth, you’ll get a filling to cure the decay. However, some cavities are just too severe to be repaired this way and may even threaten the tooth’s stability. A crown may be the best way to hold the tooth together, letting it continue to function normally in your mouth.
4. Your Crown Will Be Designed Just for You
No two smiles are alike, and there’s no “one size fits all” solution for dental crowns. That’s why your dentist in Boca Raton will take impressions of your mouth. A dental lab will use this information to make a crown that’s been shaped to match the rest of your natural teeth; it will also be shaded to match their coloring as closely as possible.
5. Dental Crowns Can Be Purely Cosmetic
Dental crowns are an invaluable tool for maintaining oral health, but that’s not all they can be used for. Do you have a single badly discolored or misshapen tooth? If so, a crown may be just to solution for improving its appearance.
If you have more questions about crowns, talk to a prosthodontist. This type of dentist specializes in making beautiful and functional prosthetics for your teeth; if you want to learn more about one of the best ways to keep injured pearly whites safe, speaking with an expert is the best place to start.
About the Author
Dr. Steven H. Feit is a dentist and prosthodontist with over 30 years of experience. He’s an expert in repairing smiles with dental crowns, bridges, dentures, partial dentures, fillings and dental implants. He’s very passionate about bringing the Boca Raton community the best care available. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (561) 338-7535.