Many people put off making dentist appointments until there is a problem with their teeth or gums.  Even so, sometimes keeping regular dentist visits for cleaning may not be enough to ward off problems that need more intensive work. Hearing your dentist say that you are in need of a “crown” on one or more teeth can cause anxiety, which is why it is important to understand the procedure and what it means for your healthy smile.

The crown, in oral hygiene terminology, refers to a tooth-shaped cap that is used to cover a tooth.  Crowns can help restore the shape, size, and strength of a damaged tooth, improving its appearance and function. Recognizing the warning signs that may mean you need a crown will help you make the best decisions for your teeth and gums.

If you have an infection, it can hit the nerve of a tooth and begin to kill it. To treat this, your dentist will perform a root canal that will drain the tooth and fill the root, sealing it off. Once this process is complete, a crown should be applied to the tooth to help strengthen it and keep it protected.  In this regard, a crown will prevent future breakage of the tooth from occurring.

Another sign that a crown is necessary is if you have a damaged or chipped tooth.  Regardless of how the broken tooth occured, if there is a piece missing, a crown will restore your smile and bite to its former state. Protecting your teeth is an important step in ensuring that they are safe from harm and damage.

Keeping your teeth safe from external damage is important, however many people who do their best to keep good oral hygiene simply are prone to having cavities. While one cavity can be handled fairly well by a tooth if filled quickly, the more cavities than one tooth gets on its surface, the more of its strength will be compromised. This can also be true depending on the size of a cavity, where a crown may be more beneficial to the tooth than a traditional filling.

Crowns can stabilize and protect a tooth keeping the need for implants at bay. Not only do they provide additional protection and strength for your teeth, but they also allow you to keep your original tooth.  And with the advancement in technologies and devices, dentists are able to place more durable crowns in just a single visit.

If you have experienced any of these scenarios with one or more of your teeth, or have questions about the procedure involved with getting a crown, contact the dental office of Dr. August De Oliveria for professional and innovative consultation and oral hygiene solutions.