When it comes to restorative dentistry, dental crowns are one of the most common procedures that dentists perform. Also known as dental caps, dental crowns are constructed to fit over damaged teeth to prevent future infection and improve the look of your smile. If you're having issues with your teeth, a dental crown may be recommended by your dentist.

Why You May Need a Dental Crown

Dental crowns can be used to remedy a variety of oral health conditions. These include a broken tooth, a badly decayed tooth, and an overly large filling. Most patients will find that a dental crown is a perfect solution to protect the integrity of their tooth after undergoing a root canal surgery.

Root canals are necessary to remove harmful infections from the gum before they spread. Unfortunately, this procedure involves removing the pulp of the tooth, which results in the blood supply being cut off to the tooth. This will make the remaining tooth tissue brittle and weak. A dental crown is a perfect way to help protect the integrity of your remaining tooth going into the future.

How Are Dental Crowns Different Than Fillings?

One of the best ways to describe a dental crown is to compare it to a traditional tooth filling. Most people are familiar with fillings and have had one or more introduced to their smile. A filling is where a hard resin is inserted into an area of the tooth where your dentist removed infected tissue. Fillings work to maintain the integrity of the tooth and keep food and other debris from making their way into the open cavity.

Dental crowns, on the other hand, are more like tooth coverings. They're typically constructed of ceramic or porcelain resin in a laboratory. Your crown will be designed to look like a tooth and fit perfectly with the rest of your smile. To apply the crown, your dentist will shave down the existing tooth so the crown can easily adhere to it, or the crown will be attached to an abutment that is screwed into your gums.

Living With Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are constructed to work just like your existing teeth. They need to be brushed and cared for in much the same way. When you get your new dental crown, it will surely enhance your smile's appearance while offering functional use of the tooth. In fact, dental crowns are commonly chosen because they are visually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Call Us Today

If you believe you need a dental crown, then it's time to contact us at Smiles by Hay in Paducah, KY. Let us assist you with all of your dental needs.

Resources:
https://brimhalldentalgroup.com/blog/may-need-dental-crowns-instead-filling/