Dental crowns are one of the most popular restorative and cosmetic treatments in dentistry. They provide a strong and durable cap that holds together a tooth that has been severely damaged and weakened by trauma or decay, helping to save a tooth that may otherwise have been extracted. 

Other benefits of tooth crowns include:

Prevent Tooth Loss from Decay  

The crown protects the remaining natural tooth so you are not forced to extract it. Crowns can be used to save decayed teeth, where the cavity has formed on more than 50 percent of the tooth, such that a filling cannot be used. To save the tooth, the dentist needs to remove the decay, clean the site, and cement the custom crown in place, restoring the complete function of your mouth. 

Save Damaged Teeth 

Crowns are typically recommended for severe tooth damage, where other options are not sufficient to provide a strong restoration. Some of the common applications of crowns include:

• To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy 
• To repair broken or fractured teeth 
• To replace large fillings 
• To fix chips and cracks 
  

Cosmetic Repairs 

If dental crowns are the only way to save your tooth, your dentist may recommend tooth-colored materials so the restored tooth is barely noticeable compared to adjacent teeth. In fact, tooth-colored materials reflect light just like natural teeth, which makes it hard to distinguish the restoration from tooth enamel. This allows you to both restore and improve your smile. 

Final Note 

Dental crowns are usually placed in two visits. During the initial visit, the dentist will determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental crowns, and then take digital impressions of the tooth so they can be used to fabricate your custom crowns in a lab. Before your permanent crown is ready, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the prepared tooth and allow your mouth to function normally. About 7 days later, on the second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and your permanent, custom crown placed so it “caps” the entire damaged or decayed area of the tooth. 

If you have any questions or concerns about porcelain dental crowns, please visit your dentist in Bakersfield today.