Categories: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

Restore Damaged Teeth with Dental Crowns

Restore Damaged Teeth with Dental Crowns | University Dental Associates

Damaged or weakened teeth can affect your ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably. Dental crowns provide a durable way to restore teeth that have been significantly damaged while improving their appearance and function.

A custom dental crown fits over the visible portion of a tooth to protect it from further damage. Depending on your needs, crowns may be recommended for teeth affected by decay, fractures, large fillings, or significant wear.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns can also be placed over dental implants to replace missing teeth.

Dental crowns are available in materials such as porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate material based on the location of the tooth, your bite, and your cosmetic and functional goals.

When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?

A tooth has been weakened by extensive decay
A tooth is cracked or fractured
A large filling has left the tooth vulnerable
A tooth has significant wear or damage
A tooth has undergone root canal treatment
A dental implant needs a permanent restoration
You want to improve the appearance of a severely damaged tooth

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Protects weakened teeth from further damage
Restores normal chewing function
Improves the appearance of damaged teeth
Helps restore proper tooth shape and size
Can strengthen a tooth after root canal treatment
Provides a durable and natural-looking restoration

The Dental Crown Process

1. Dental Examination and Treatment Planning

Your dentist will examine the affected tooth and surrounding tissues to determine whether a crown is the appropriate treatment. Digital X-rays or other imaging may be recommended to evaluate the tooth and its supporting structures.

2. Preparing the Tooth

The tooth is carefully reshaped to create enough space for the crown. Any damaged or decayed areas are treated before the restoration is placed.

3. Taking Impressions or Digital Scans

Your dentist will take an impression or digital scan of your teeth. This information is used to create a crown that matches the size, shape, and appearance of your natural teeth.

4. Temporary Crown Placement

A temporary crown may be placed while your permanent restoration is being prepared. It helps protect the tooth and allows you to maintain normal function during this stage of treatment.

5. Permanent Crown Placement

Once your custom crown is ready, your dentist will check its fit, color, bite, and comfort. After any necessary adjustments, the crown is securely bonded to the prepared tooth.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper care and regular dental visits, dental crowns can last many years. Their lifespan depends on the crown material, the condition of the supporting tooth, your bite, oral hygiene, and daily habits.

Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor the crown and identify potential problems before they become more serious.

How to Care for Your Dental Crown

Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Floss carefully around and between crowned teeth
Avoid chewing ice and extremely hard objects
Limit habits such as biting pens or using your teeth as tools
Wear a nightguard if recommended for teeth grinding or clenching
Maintain regular dental cleanings and examinations

Are Dental Crowns Comfortable?

A properly fitted dental crown should feel comfortable and function naturally. You may notice some sensitivity or mild adjustment after treatment, but these sensations typically improve as you become accustomed to the restoration.

Contact your dentist if your crown feels loose, causes persistent discomfort, or affects the way your teeth come together when you bite.

Why Patients Choose Dental Crowns

Dental crowns provide a practical way to restore teeth that are too damaged or weakened to be effectively treated with a filling alone. A custom crown can help protect the tooth, restore its function, and create a natural-looking smile.