Injuring a tooth can be a scary experience. You may wonder what the long-term impact may be, if your smile will be okay, and if there is any way to repair the injury. Your team at Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, offers dental crowns that may be able to restore your tooth after it has been damaged. In today’s blog, we’ll talk about when this restorative treatment may be needed and how it can help.
When This Restoration Is Necessary
There are a variety of reasons why your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown. One primary reason is if your tooth has been chipped, cracked, or weakened from an injury. Broken or worn down teeth can cause sensitivity and may put your oral health at risk. A cap can be placed over the harmed injury to protect it from further harm and sensitivity. This restoration may also be used after a root canal because your dental structure will be significantly weakened after the decayed pulp has been removed. It may also be paired with a dental bridge or implant to help replace a missing tooth. When used with a bridge, the caps are placed on adjacent teeth to hold the prosthetic in place. If used with an implant, the cap is used to cover the post and create a natural appearance.
How A Dental Crown Works
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover your dental structures after an injury. When you come in for your appointment, your dentist will thoroughly examine your smile and determine if this is the right treatment for your needs. In some cases, like significant injuries, removing a tooth may be a more helpful alternative. If a cap is the right option for your situation, measurements will be taken of your pearly white to create the restorative piece. They can be made of porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, depending on where it is needed. When the cap is ready, it will be secured in place and can help you with actions like chewing and speaking without discomfort.
What About Cosmetic Treatments?
This restoration is often used to repair injuries like chips, cracks, or worn down teeth. In addition to protecting the damaged area, it may also help improve the appearance of your smile although that is not it’s main function. If you have concerns with the appearance of one of your pearly whites, cosmetic treatments like bonding and contouring may be more helpful. Composite resin can be bonded to an area to conceal small chips on the surface of your tooth and create a more even appearance.
Find Out More About Restorative Options
For questions about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, call the team at Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612)861-7188.
