When you think of protecting your teeth, you might first think of a mouthguard, or of good hygiene and dental care that keeps them strong and healthy. However, sometimes, you may need a bit of help protecting your teeth, especially if they already suffer damage from trauma or a spreading tooth infection. In many cases, a dental crown can offer a durable, esthetically-pleasing solution that not only protects your tooth, but also restores its function and preserves your smile’s appearance.
When a Dental Crown Is Called For
A dental crown describes a lifelike cap that is placed permanently over the top portion of a tooth. Its purpose is to completely cover the tooth, and by doing so, a crown can be used for a number of different reasons, such as;
- Fixing and protecting a cracked, fractured, or broken tooth
- Restoring a tooth that has received a large tooth filling
- Improving a tooth that is severely stained/discolored
- Reshaping a tooth that is too small, or has been excessively worn down
- Replacing a lost tooth (when placed on top of a dental implant)
The Crown that Fits Best
The concept of a dental crown may be simple (replicate and cover the top part of a tooth); yet, today, crowns come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match each individual need. For instance, if your tooth is damaged enough to require restoration, but not enough to justify placing a complete crown over it, then we may recommend a dental inlay or onlay. Commonly known as partial crowns, inlays and onlays are only placed in the crevices between a tooth’s cusps (inlay), or in the crevice and over the side of the tooth (onlay).
Dental Crowns for Missing Teeth
When it comes to replacing lost teeth, dental crowns have traditionally been used to support dental bridges that span the gap in your smile. Now, dental crowns can replace teeth without the need of a bridge when placed on top of a dental implant. The implant, which is inserted into the jawbone, replaces your lost tooth’s root, and can be utilized to anchor the lifelike crown, creating a realistic root-and-crown replacement for your missing tooth.
Find Out if a Dental Crown Can Save Your Smile
With the right, custom-designed dental crown, you have a much better chance of saving your tooth as well as the function and beauty of your smile. To learn more, schedule a dental consultation by calling Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678.
