If you are one of those patients that are fortunate enough to avoid dental work into adulthood, you might be wondering what all of these dental procedures mean. A dental crown is one of the most common dental restorations we provide our patients because they are versatile and reliable.
Here are some of the ways we use dental crowns in dentistry:
To Repair a Broken or Cracked Tooth
The outer enamel of your tooth is what protects it from damage, decay, and acids formed in bacterial growth. Because our teeth are subjected to so much force when chewing, clenching, and even sports, they sometimes sustain damage. If the damage is very small – like a tiny sliver of chipped enamel, we can often repair it with a filling. If you have greater damage – like breaking a cusp – you may need greater stability.
A dental crown covers your tooth from the gumline to the chewing surface. This is the highest level of protection we can provide to prevent continued damage, caused by the force of chewing.
Additionally, a crown seals you tooth, keeping out decay.
Rebuilding a Worn Bite
If you suffer from a bruxism habit, also known as teeth grinding or clenching, your teeth can easily become worn over time. By the time you reach adulthood, if you have not addressed your bruxism habit, your teeth can gradually begin to shorten, sustain chips, or even become cracked.
As you wear away the enamel of your teeth, your dentin becomes exposed. This can make your teeth very sensitive and make them more susceptible to decay and damage. A crown not only protects your tooth, but also rebuilds your occlusion (how your teeth come together) for a more comfortable bite.
Covering an Unattractive Tooth
If you have an unsightly tooth, a ceramic crown can provide an esthetic solution. Your crown will cover your tooth and Scott M. Jordon DDS can create it in such a way that it actually improves the appearance of your smile.
If you need a crown and live in the Encinitas, CA area, give us a call! We look forward to helping you protect your smile.