Dental crowns are one of the most versatile tools a dentist has. They’re capable of taking care of many cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. What all can Los Altos, CA dental crowns do? Dr. Ken Schweifler explains.
Covering a Misshapen or Discolored Tooth
If you have a misshapen tooth, it creates a break in your smile that you may try to hide. Depending on the defect and location of the tooth in the mouth, it may also cause problems with eating or speaking. A dental crown is custom-made based on the rest of your smile and goes completely over the misshapen tooth. It gives you back full functionality, as well as fitting perfectly in your smile.
Professional teeth whitening is usually the go-to method to treat discolored teeth, traditional whitening solutions aren’t always enough. Dental crowns can help with discoloration caused by genetics, medication, or a “dead” tooth. The ceramic for a crown can be color-matched to the shade of white you’re looking for, completely covering the discolored tooth.
Stabilizing a Tooth
One of the most common ways a dental crown is used is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. During a root canal, infected dental pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth. Though a biocompatible material fills the void where the dental pulp was, it doesn’t always bring the tooth back fully. A dental crown both gives you back full functionality in the tooth and helps to seal it off from further infection.
Repairing a Broken or Cracked Tooth
A broken tooth can be a simple cosmetic fix, or it can be severe enough to warrant emergency dentistry. When a tooth breaks off, it exposes the nerves inside the tooth. When these are touched, it can be very painful. A dental crown goes completely over the tooth and replaces the part that’s been broken off. You’re able to fully use that tooth again.
When a tooth is cracked, it exposes the dental pulp inside the tooth, making it vulnerable to infection. It can also turn the tooth into multiple pieces of a tooth. We want to avoid extraction as much as possible, and a crown can provide a more conservative treatment option. The crown is able to both seal off the inside of the tooth and keep the cracked pieces together.
The Final Restoration for Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement options. They both look and feel the most natural out of all the options. Most commonly, a dental crown is used to complete the final restoration. It’s modeled off your natural teeth and makes for a convenient and efficient solution.
Getting Dental Crowns in Los Altos, California
Do you think a dental crown can help your dental problem? Call us or schedule an appointment online.