Looking for the very best when it comes to dental in Hiram care? Crowns are an effective treatment for distressed teeth. Not only can they protect a tooth from further harm, they can enhance your smile as well.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is an artfully crafted restoration that your dentist can use to protect, strengthen, and beautify a tooth that is suffering from decay, damage, or trauma. A crown can also hide cosmetic blemishes such as stains, discolorations, and chips. The result is not only restored functionality but an enhanced smile and, for many patients, greater self-confidence.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
Teeth are made up of two parts: the base, which is below the gum line, and the crown, which is above the gum line. The crown is the portion that’s most susceptible to harm from decay causing bacteria, mouth trauma, and other hazards. As a result, the tooth may become weak, discolored, cracked, broken, or infected.
A dental crown is one way that your dentist may choose to treat these problems. He or she will begin by gently filing and shaping the base of the tooth to receive the restoration. You will receive an anesthetic and, possibly, a mild sedative to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Once the base of the tooth is properly prepared, your dentist will perform a series of measurements that the dental lab will use to create the actual crown. Once it’s in place, your dentist will use a special medical grade adhesive to bond the restoration to the base of the tooth.
A properly placed crown is indistinguishable appearance-wise from a healthy natural tooth. You’ll enjoy a newfound confidence and freedom from the discomfort that sent you to your dentist in Hiram in the first place.
How Do Dental Crowns Work with Bridges and Implants?
A dental bridge is a restoration that spans two or more teeth. Your dentist may use a crown to give the bridge added strength and stability.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are embedded directly into the patient’s jaw, very much like the root of a natural tooth. In many cases, dentists use crowns as the final touch to an implant restoration.
“I Just Received a Dental Crown. How Do I Take Care of It?”
One of the chief advantages of crowns is how easy they are to care for. Simply brush 2 to 3 times per day, floss once per day, eat a sensible diet, and see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and oral examination. In other words, simply keep doing what you normally do to keep your natural teeth in good shape
Three things that can harm a dental crown (not to mention your natural teeth) are tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and illicit drugs. If you drink, please do so only in moderation. If you use tobacco, then talk to your dentist about new medications that can help you to kick the habit.
Dental crowns are a great way to restore a distressed tooth and live a happier, healthier life. Talk to your dentist about crowns and other forms of treatment during your next appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Jack Bickford earned his DDS degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He also spent two years serving our troops as an Army dentist prior to joining our practice here in Hiram. You can reach his office online or by calling (770) 445-6606.
