What are Dental Crowns Used for?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped shells that can be used to cover damaged teeth or to help replace missing teeth. Crowns are one of the most frequently used cosmetic dental devices because they are easy to apply and they have many uses.
Dental crowns can help to fix a number of dental problems. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been weakened by extensive drilling to remove a cavity, used to strengthen teeth that are cracked or chipped, used to cover teeth that have had enamel removed to accommodate a bridge, and even used to cover irregularly shaped teeth.
Dr Noushin Adhami, our experienced dentist at Vistasol Dental in Montebello often prefer to use dental crowns to restore damaged teeth because this procedure is less invasive. Instead of removing the damaged tooth to accommodate implant or bridges, she can preserve the remaining tooth structure with the application of a crown. This process is more efficient and less likely to cause infection or other undesirable side effects compared to other methods.
Crowns are also used to replace missing teeth. When a dentist places implants, crowns will finalize the restoration once the bone heals around the implant. The crown completely restores the missing tooth.
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. Most patients prefer tooth-colored crowns that are indistinguishable from the natural teeth. Crowns that are made from ceramic or porcelain are strong and appear completely natural. They can even be color matched and shaped similar to the adjacent teeth. However, tooth-colored crowns are not quite as durable as metal crowns, which can be a disadvantage. Crowns placed on a molar should be able to withstand a large amount of biting force. Metal crowns, made from stainless steel or gold, are most ideal for placement in back teeth. These crowns are not as aesthetically pleasing as tooth colored crowns; however they are very durable and are unlikely to become damaged.
If you have a badly damaged, missing, or unsightly tooth, contact our dental clinic in Montebello to schedule a consultation about the possibility of getting a dental crown. Dr Noushin Adhami will be glad to examine the questionable tooth and recommend the best course of treatment.