
Oct
A damaged tooth isn’t something you can ignore. Left alone, your tooth could get infected or crumble, impacting your ability to chew. If the damage isn’t curtailed, you could even lose your tooth. Why risk losing a tooth when a dental crown restoration can make it new? In this post, Drs. Jennifer Wahlen and John Torghele from Wahlen Dentistry in Perry, Utah, answer your questions about dental crowns to help you decide if they’re good for you.
A dental crown is a special cap or covering that Drs. Wahlen and Torghele can place over a tooth that’s in bad shape due to decay or damage. Crowns resemble natural teeth in shape and color but are hollow. They’re custom-made to fit perfectly over a vulnerable tooth to provide protection and support. Once a crown is cemented, it becomes your tooth’s new exterior structure for biting, chewing, and smiling. A dental crown can preserve your smile’s strength, function, and beauty.   Â
Crowns can be used in various ways, making them a valuable tool for restoring your smile. Crowns are typically used to repair damaged teeth so they can continue to be used. However, we can also crown a worn tooth to protect it from damage. Crowns help support teeth with large fillings and teeth with root canals to keep them from fracturing. Cosmetic crowns cover stained, misshapen, and odd-sized teeth to improve their esthetics. Crowns can also support fixed bridges and replace missing teeth with dental implants.Â
Crowns can be made from different materials for different purposes. All-porcelain, all-ceramic, and zirconia crowns have a natural tooth-colored appearance, making them good options for repairing teeth that are highly visible when you smile. In contrast, gold and metal crowns are more feasible for repairing molars that are hidden from view. Porcelain fused to metal crowns can be used anywhere in your mouth as they offer strength and esthetics.
Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque from building up around your crown. Watch your intake of sugary or acidic substances. See your dentist twice annually for checkups and cleanings. Don’t bite your nails, chew on ice, or eat hard and sticky foods, as these can damage or dislodge your crown. And never use your teeth like tools.
With good oral care, porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia crowns can last 15 or more years before needing to be replaced. Gold crowns have the potential to last a lifetime. Longevity is one of the greatest benefits of crown treatment.
You can come to Wahlen Dentistry for dental crown treatment if you live in or near Perry, UT. To schedule a consultation with Drs. Jennifer Wahlen or John Torghele, call us today at (435) 246-4602.