Modern restorative dentistry affords patients a wide range of options for repairing damaged or decayed teeth. These treatments, such as dental crowns, give you the look, feel, and function of your natural tooth. What exactly is a crown, and under what circumstances would you need one?
What Is It?
You may have heard of dental crowns and dental caps – these two treatments are the same, simply called by different names. A crown is a cover placed over a damaged or broken tooth, in order to provide structure and support (for example, when a large filling is necessary). Caps can also be used to keep a weak tooth from breaking, or disguise an unsightly, discolored tooth. They can even be used over dental implants.
How Is the Procedure Done?
First, your Turlock dentist will reduce the size of your natural tooth in order to make room for the cap. Then our team will make a mold of your teeth and gums so that the crown can be created precisely to fit your mouth. Meanwhile, you’ll be fitted with a temporary cap so that you can still chew and function normally while the permanent one is being fabricated. Finally, your temporary crown is removed and the new one cemented onto the tooth.
What About Afterwards?
Your dental crown will look, feel, and work nearly exactly like your natural tooth. You want to take special care to follow a good oral hygiene routine, particularly when it comes to flossing. This helps prevent decay and gum disease where the cap meets your gums.
You should also be careful to minimize chewing hard objects on the tooth because these could break or otherwise damage your restorative dentistry treatment. If you take good care of your dental crown, it should last at least several years, and probably much longer if you’re vigilant in your oral hygiene routine.
Why Should I Get a Dental Crown?
The team at our Turlock dentist office can save your existing tooth with treatments like this, as long as it’s done in time. Delaying treatment can result in further decay and damage, which can easily mean much more expense and discomfort. It’s best to have a cap done while there is still some tooth structure in place.
Contact Us for Information on Dental Crowns
Our team can work with you to restore your tooth to full functionality. Contact us at Eggleston Dental Care today at 209-634-9582 to set up an appointment at our Turlock office.
