Dental crowns are one of the best tools a dentist has. They’re extremely versatile, being used for both cosmetic and restorative dentistry cases. Dr. Elise Brace of Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry discusses how she uses Cary, NC dental crowns.
Stabilizing a Tooth
One of the most common uses for a dental crown is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. When a root canal is performed, the dental pulp from the middle of the tooth is removed because of infection. Though the tooth is filled with a biocompatible material, it may not be fully stable. A dental crown helps to make sure you get back full functionality in your tooth and seals it off from further infection.
Covering a Misshapen or Discolored Tooth
If you have a misshapen or discolored tooth, you may spend too much time trying to hide your smile. Depending on the defect and where your misshapen tooth is located in the mouth, you may also have difficulties speaking or chewing. A dental crown fully covers the misshapen tooth, making it blend in with the rest of your smile. You also get the full functionality back.
Discolored teeth are typically taken care of by professional teeth whitening. But certain stains or a “dead” tooth may not be able to be treated with traditional methods. A dental crown can be color-matched to the exact shade of white you’re looking for. Since it goes completely over the tooth, the discoloration will be completely hidden.
Treating a Broken or Cracked Tooth
When your tooth is broken, a small chip isn’t something to worry about. However, a bigger break is much more serious and emergency dentistry is often warranted. A large break leaves the dental nerves vulnerable and pain is caused when they come into contact with things. A dental crown replaces the portion that’s been broken off completely.
When a tooth cracks, it can splinter into multiple pieces. It also can expose the dental pulp inside to bacteria. A dental crown holds together the pieces of the tooth so you can avoid the detrimental impacts of tooth extraction. A crown protects the inside of the tooth from the risk of infection.
The Final Restoration for a Dental Implant
Dental implants are the best option to replace a missing tooth. They both look and feel the most like your natural teeth of any tooth replacement solution. This is especially true with a dental crown. A custom crown is made to match the rest of your teeth. Even with consecutive missing teeth, a crown on each one creates a unique, individual tooth.
Getting Dental Crowns in Cary, North Carolina
At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we can help you determine if your dental problems can be fixed with a dental crown. Call us or schedule a consultation online with Dr. Brace.