Modern dental technology makes it possible to save the overall structure of a tooth, even when the tooth has been seriously damaged. If you need to restore a tooth after an injury or cavity, then a dental crown might be the recommended treatment from your dentist.
How do you know if a dental crown is the right treatment for your needs? The best thing you can do is talk to your dentist about available treatment options. When tooth extraction is the only other alternative, then a crown might be your last chance to save the remaining portion of the tooth.
At Cosmetic & Family Dentistry for Las Colinas, we offer full-service dental solutions for the whole family. So whether it’s time for a checkup or you need a major restoration (like a dental crown), we are always here to help. Call us any time to learn more about available services.
Here are a few signs that you might benefit from a dental crown:
Strengthen a Root Canal Tooth
Most dentists recommend a dental crown after a root canal treatment is done. The tooth is hollowed out during the root canal to remove the nerves, blood supply, and infected tissue within the tooth. This process saves the tooth from extraction but weakens the remaining portion of the tooth.
After the dentist fills the inner portion of the tooth, it’s likely that a dental crown will be necessary to strengthen and extend the lifespan of the tooth. At Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas, our team can often provide both the root canal and dental crown services in the same appointment for your convenience.
Damage to the Tooth
Was your tooth injured by trauma? Whether you were hit during a sports game or fell and knocked it on the furniture, a dental crown can be a way to restore both the function and aesthetics of the damaged tooth. However, just because you are in an accident doesn’t mean that you need to live with a flawed smile in the future.
Often, these injuries result in pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. A same-day dental crown can restore your smile immediately, so you can eat and talk like normal. These crowns are personalized to match the unique color and shape of your natural teeth. No one will notice that you had dental work to repair the injured tooth.
Extensive Tooth Decay
When a small cavity is left untreated, the decay can spread to other parts of the tooth. Most people will inevitably experience tooth decay, and usually, early interventions stop the decay from spreading. But, in cases where the cavity has progressed, the dentist might need to drill away a large portion of the tooth.
The best way to save a tooth in this situation is to cap the tooth with a dental crown instead of using a basic filling. A general rule of thumb is that a crown should be placed if more than half of the tooth is missing because of the drilling to remove the decay.
The good news is that a dental crown isn’t susceptible to tooth decay. But the remaining parts of the tooth can still get cavities, which is why it’s important to maintain regular brushing and flossing habits at all times.
Smile Upgrade
While a dental crown usually aims to save a tooth and protect the function in your mouth, this treatment can also be beneficial for cosmetic purposes. For example, a tooth that is uneven, misshapen, chipped, or unsightly can be improved by placing a dental crown over the exterior of the tooth.
Our goal is to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible during this process. We offer dental crowns, as well as other cosmetic services you might consider, such as dental bonding or veneers. We’ll talk to you about your smile goals then determine the optimal treatment for your smile makeover.
Dental Implants
If you need one or more implants placed in your mouth for tooth restoration, then the implants are often paired with dental crowns. For example, the implant is secured in your jaw. Then an abutment holds a crown in place on the top of the implant.
You can’t see the implant since it’s below the gumline. Likewise, the dental crown is the only visible part of the restoration since it sits above the gumline.
CEREC: Same Day Crowns for Your Convenience
One of the benefits of choosing our dental team is that we’ve invested in quality dental technology to improve your comfort and results. CEREC is a modern system that fabricates customized porcelain dental crowns while you are in the office.
In the past, patients required multiple visits to complete dental crowns. The first appointment prepared the tooth, and the dentist took a mold or scan of the tooth to send to the lab. Next, patients go home with a temporary crown. Then, the lab returns the permanent crown, and the patient must go back to the dental office for placement and bonding.
CEREC saves you time since you can complete the dental crown in one appointment. There’s no need for repeat visits or to spend unnecessary time in the dental chair.
Is a Dental Crown Right for You?
As you can see, there are many benefits to investing in a dental crown treatment. But this service isn’t the right solution for every patient. The best thing you can do is schedule a consultation to talk to our dental team about available treatment options.
We provide a personalized approach for every patient, helping you achieve a beautiful, functional smile. Dental crowns are one of the many services available. Also, you can learn about other dental restorations, such as fillings, bridges, implants, dentures, and more.
Schedule a cleaning and checkup with our experienced team. We invite you to contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas to see how we can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that boosts your confidence.
