Even with the best of care, your pearly whites may still suffer harm. If you have broken, chipped, or cracked a tooth, it is important to have this looked at as soon as possible. Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, offers dental crowns to repair your smile after injury. This can prevent the damage from worsening and reduce the risk of infection. Today, we’re here to talk about when this restorative method is used.
What Is A Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap made of materials such as porcelain or zirconia. This is used for restorative purposes to protect your natural structure. Unlike a filling, this cap covers the entire surface. Fillings are generally used to close a space left after a cavity and repair the area. Crowns may be used in combination with a prosthetic. For instance, if you receive a bridge, caps may be placed on the supporting teeth for extra strength. They can also be used with an implant to achieve a natural-appearing smile. Although crowns and veneers are often made of the same material, they offer different uses. Veneers are used to address visual concerns and do not protect your pearly whites. The material used for the cap can be matched to the color of your smile, so you do not have to worry about it sticking out.
When Is It Used?
As mentioned above, they can be used to restore a tooth or paired with prosthetic replacements. If you have harmed one of your pearly whites by chipping, cracking, or breaking it, this cap can be placed on top of it to ensure no further damage occurs. Without this protective barrier, the crack could worsen and result in total loss of the structure or infection. If you receive an implant, the crown is the part that shows in your smile. It will be attached to the implant with an abutment piece to hold it in place. They may be used after root canal treatment as well. When you have a root canal performed, the infected pulp of your tooth is removed. To help strengthen the area, a cap may be placed so that you can chew and speak without discomfort.
Removal May Be Recommended Instead
If one of your pearly whites has been damaged, your dentist will prioritize restoring the area. In severe cases of harm or decay, it may be the best solution to extract the tooth instead. This is usually recommended if a restoration will not help the area, or if there is a severe infection.
Schedule Your Restoration Today
Dental crowns can protect your tooth from further damage. To receive yours, call Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.