The cosmetic appeal of dental crowns rests on their ability to sheathe natural teeth. A dental crown is also a custom restoration, meaning that it fits the underlying tooth like a glove. It covers the visible part of the tooth, from the biting surface to the base.
These qualities make a dental cap one of the most effective protective restorations there is.
Dental crowns: Restorative dentistry and aesthetics
A dentist will remove infection and tissue damage before they reinforce the tooth with a restoration. The ideal restoration will then restore the size, shape, and function of the problem tooth.
The only downside to a crown is the removal of a layer of enamel, which never regenerates. This should be a consideration for anyone looking to get a dental cap for cosmetic reasons. That being said, a cap will cover up the type of cosmetic problem that no other restoration can.
Dentists recommend crowns when they feel it is the best treatment option for their patients. For example:
Crowns reinforce the weak structure of a problem tooth
Tooth decay and injury can weaken a tooth to the point where it starts to fall apart. A dental cap sheathes the structurally compromised tooth and protects it from pressure and stress. This keeps the structure of the underlying tooth intact, saving it from extraction.
The crown also restores the full form and function of the tooth. This eliminates the patient’s need to change their bite to protect the problem tooth. The happy result is the restoration of a healthy bite.
A dental cap is an effective physical barrier
Dental caps fit like a glove and they sit snugly on the gumline. A crown forms an impenetrable barrier that protects the vulnerable inner tooth from exposure to:
- Heat and cold
- Sugar and acid
- Food particles
- Bacteria
Heat and cold cause discomfort and sometimes, pain. The same goes for sugar and acid, except that these substances also erode the enamel. Keeping food particles and bacteria from a weak tooth prevents tooth decay from happening or developing further.
A dental cap helps with oral hygiene
Dentists will clean out injured or infected tissue before installing a crown. The crown will keep food and bacteria from reaching the natural tooth, thus keeping the tooth clean.
Situations where a dental crown may fail
Tooth decay can reoccur on a tooth that sits under a crown. The reasons for this range from failed root canal therapy to gum disease. In such cases, the dentist will remove the crown, treat the problem tooth, and place a suitable dental restoration, usually a crown.
Ready to set an appointment?
Our practice boasts an excellent team that provides preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. Get in touch to find out how we can restore your smile in a few simple steps. Meet with our dentist to find out whether dental crowns are the treatment option for you.
Request an appointment or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at 941-676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Related Posts
Getting a dental crown is a seamless procedure that is done in dental offices every day. There are various reasons to get a dental crown, which will play a role in how the process goes. For example, for those getting a crown to finish the tooth replacement process after an implant has been inserted, the…
Are you considering getting dental crowns? Before moving forward, you need to ask your dentist some questions. This will help you understand the procedure and what to expect when it is over. Then you will have the information you need to make an informed decision about dental crowns.Getting crowns is a huge decision. Patients should…
Dental crowns are a great way to repair teeth that are damaged by decay or dental trauma, and they are commonly used for a variety of other purposes as well. While many are familiar with what dental crowns are, it can be helpful to understand exactly how they are bonded to a tooth, particularly if…