A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that covers a damaged or weakened tooth and improves its size, shape, health, and appearance. There are certain signs a dentist may look for to determine whether a dental crown is the best form of restoration for a patient or if another restoration may be more suitable.
There are numerous oral health concerns that a dental crown can treat. Some of the more common signs that a dentist looks for to determine if a dental crown is recommended include tooth decay, trauma to a tooth, and visible concerns that create a cosmetic issue for the patient.
Tooth decay, also called dental cavities, occurs when the enamel wears down due to acidic reactions caused by bacteria. There are various ways in which a dentist can treat tooth decay, and the recommended method depends largely upon the location of the tooth, the severity of the damage, and the preference of the patient.
The signs of tooth decay include dark spots on teeth and tooth sensitivity. The most common ways in which tooth decay is treated are dental fillings, root canal therapy, and dental crown treatment. Dental crowns may be an option for minor to moderate decay. Dental crowns are often used after root canal therapy as well to protect teeth long-term.
Dental trauma can occur when there is a blow to the mouth, such as when a ball strikes the mouth during a game of sports. Dental trauma can also result from teeth grinding together while sleeping at night, a condition which is known as bruxism. If dentists notice signs of dental trauma, then they may recommend dental crown treatment to restore the function, appearance, and health of the damaged teeth.
Dental crowns are most commonly used to improve oral health and protect a tooth that is more vulnerable to becoming lost or developing an infection without prompt care. However, there are times when ceramic crowns may be the best cosmetic treatment solution. Ceramic dental crowns, also called tooth-colored dental crowns, closely match the ideal shade of natural teeth and can be used to address issues such as tooth stains, teeth that are naturally too short, misshapen teeth, and more.
During the first visit with a dentist, they can assess the severity of the damage and explain in detail all available treatment options. The right choice depends on the patient’s budget and preference. The most common alternatives to dental crowns are dental veneers, dental bonding, and dental fillings.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in San Francisco, CA
Here at our dental practice, we offer dental crown consultations to assess the severity and type of damage you may have oral health or cosmetic concerns about. We can explain in detail the pros and cons of each available type of restoration and help you make an informed decision about treatment.
Request an appointment or call Serenity Dental Spa at 415-376-6196 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
A dental crown offers a durable way to protect a damaged tooth while restoring a natural look and full function to a patient's smile. This long-term solution covers a vulnerable area to prevent further breakage or decay. While these restorations are incredibly strong, they require specific care to remain in top shape for a decade…
Dental crowns come in a range of material options, including zirconium and porcelain. These materials vastly increase the aesthetics and reliability of dental crowns as compared to past alternatives. Regardless of the material, most dental crowns look and work well. However, there are some significant variations between these options to be aware of. This article…
Dental crowns are incredibly useful for tooth restoration because they can fix various aesthetic defects and restore strength to teeth that have been weakened by decay or injuries. One of the most important advantages of crowns is their longevity; with good treatment, your new crowns will last a long time. Knowing what precautions to take…
There are many reasons you should have a dental checkup, but it is not uncommon to have a fear of the dentist. The gums, teeth, and tongue all play a significant role in helping you have a nutritious diet. When these do not work well, you may not be able to eat the right foods.…
For some people, a dental checkup for teeth cleaning is a dreadful experience. The noise and probing are more than enough to make them stay away from any dental clinic. A dental cleaning is not at all painful or invasive. Knowing the steps in a regular dental cleaning may put patients at ease. Below are…