Tooth decay is a common problem. If left untreated for a long time, a small cavity can become extensive, leading to severely damaged teeth that might require root canal treatment or even extraction. But today, there’s a good option to help save the tooth: “dental crowns.” So, what are dental crowns? How are they done? What are the benefits? Berry Dent brings you the answers.
What is a Dental Crown?
Simply put, a “dental crown” is like putting a “helmet” on a damaged tooth. It’s a way to restore a decayed, cracked, or chipped tooth by placing a tooth-like cap over it. This protects the tooth, strengthens it, and restores its shape, function, and appearance, allowing you to use the tooth as normal.
What is the Dental Crown Procedure?
Generally, the dental crown procedure involves these steps:
- Dental Examination and Treatment Planning: The dentist will examine the tooth and may take X-rays to assess the damage and plan the appropriate treatment.
- Tooth Preparation: The dentist will reshape the damaged tooth to make space for the crown.
- Taking Impressions: The dentist will take an impression of your mouth to create a model for making a custom-fit crown.
- Placing a Temporary Crown: While waiting for the permanent crown, the dentist will place a temporary crown to protect the tooth and allow normal function.
- Placing the Permanent Crown: Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will place it, check the fit, and make any necessary adjustments.
What Do Dental Crowns Help With?
Placing a dental crown not only strengthens a decayed tooth but also helps with other issues:
- Protects a decayed, cracked, or chipped tooth from further damage.
- Strengthens a weak tooth.
- Restores the shape and function of the tooth.
- Improves the appearance of the tooth, enhancing your smile.
Advantages of Dental Crowns:
- Strong and durable, lasting for a long time.
- Can closely match the natural shape and color of your teeth.
- Helps save the original tooth, avoiding extraction.
What Should You Know if You Need a Dental Crown?
When deciding to get a dental crown, here are some things to know:
- Dental Crown Cost: The cost of a dental crown varies depending on the material used (e.g., metal, ceramic, or porcelain) and the complexity of the case. Consult your dentist for an accurate cost estimate.
- Maintenance: Brush and floss regularly to clean the crown and prevent decay around its edges.
Dental crowns are an option for severely damaged teeth. When a tooth is severely decayed, much of its structure is lost. A simple filling may not be enough to restore it, and the tooth might easily break. Therefore, a dental crown is a good choice because it strengthens and protects the remaining tooth structure, restoring its shape, function, and appearance, allowing normal use of the tooth.
For maintaining strong oral health, besides regular dental visits, choosing a good toothpaste is also important. We recommend Berry Dent hybrid herbal toothpaste. This toothpaste is packed with scientific ingredients, featuring a high concentration of 1500 ppm fluoride combined with the power of natural herbs from berries like raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, cranberry, and acai berry, as well as various other natural herbal extracts. These provide antioxidant protection for the mouth, help whiten teeth, deliver a bright smile and fresh, clean breath, and also effectively prevent cavities.