When is teeth crown treatment needed in Charleston?
A dental crown is a prosthetic in the shape of a tooth that encapsulates the natural tooth. It is used to restore the damaged tooth’s shape and dimension, provide strength, and aesthetic improvement. The crowns are fixed into place and enclose the complete visible part of a tooth above the gum line. Patients should choose an experienced dentist in Charleston for teeth crown treatment.
Need for dental crowns
A dental crown may be required for the following purposes:
- To shield a weak tooth from breakage or preserve a fractured tooth
- To restore a cracked tooth or a critically damaged tooth
- To enclose and strengthen a tooth when a part of the tooth is missing
- To act as anchors for dental bridges
- To improve deformed or majorly discolored tooth
- To complete a tooth implant
- To support another cosmetic alteration
Two primary reasons that may necessitate a crown are:
Cosmetic Reasons
- To recover the aesthetics of teeth: An unattractive tooth (for example, a decayed tooth) can be covered with a crown made of porcelain.
- To enclose discolored teeth: Stains that remain after professional whitening can be hidden with crowns placed over them.
Functional Reasons
- Weak Tooth: A decayed or worn tooth may require a crown to protect it. For example, a crown can provide support to hold parts of a fragmented tooth together.
- Filled Tooth: A tooth with a huge filling or a tooth that has been filled a few times on multiple sides, leads to weakening of the tooth structure. This is when a crown comes into play to reinforce the tooth.
- Single Tooth Restoration: A dental implant is used to fill the gap due to a missing tooth. You will need a crown placed over the implant to complete it.
- After a root canal procedure: Root canal treatment affects the tooth’s strength and makes it brittle. Dental crowns help strengthen the tooth.
Crown materials
Crowns are made using different types of materials. These can be metal blends, ceramics, composite resin, or a combination of them. During the process of creating a crown, the color of your teeth is taken into consideration, which makes the crown indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Dentists aim to mold a crown that is comfortable and blends in with the rest of your teeth. Certain parameters affect the decision to choose the best material for your crown. These parameters include the function and location of the tooth, how the gum tissue is positioned and the preference of the patient.
Crown placement
The procedure involves certain steps and normally requires two visits to the dentist for a successful placement of the crown. The steps are as follows:
- The tooth is readied by the dentist as he reduces the outer part of the tooth for the dental crown to fit. If any decay is observed, it is removed in this step. Sometimes the crown needs support through a supplementary structure. The dentist builds up the core of the tooth in such scenarios.
- An impression of the tooth under consideration is made, to issue an accurate replica of the crown.
- It takes two weeks or less to make the crown according to specifications. Until then, you will be provided with a temporary crown. The tooth can feel sensitive while wearing a temporary crown. Also, avoiding chewing gum or sticky food is strongly recommended.
- After the model is built, the dentist or a qualified laboratory supervisor uses it to make the permanent crown.
- After the crown is ready, the dentist carefully places it with precision and essential adjustments. After consulting with you regarding the appearance of the crown, along with the comfort level, the crown is cemented in place.
Increasing the longevity of crowns
To preserve a crown for a long time, the following tips should be followed:
- To keep your teeth plaque free, brush twice a day and floss once a day. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria-laden biofilm, which can cause decay. Use products having the ADA Seal of acceptance to maintain good oral health. The seal signifies that the products’ safety and potency are approved by the American Dental Association.
- Chewing food or other objects that require considerable effort should be avoided, especially for tooth-colored crowns.
- Make routine visits to the doctor for quick evaluations and proper teeth cleanings.
A skilled dentist in Charleston for teeth crown treatment can help restore a compromised tooth effectively.
Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA - Dr. Andrew Greenberg
Dr. Andrew Greenberg completed his Bachelor’s Degree in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine in 2009, where he portrayed excellent academic performance. He exercises his academic brilliance to the benefit of his patients every day. He grew up in a family with a dental background and showed interest in the field since his early days.
