How Can a Dental Crown Strengthen a Weakened Tooth?
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Whenever possible, it is almost always preferable to retain your natural teeth versus facing an extraction and replacement. For teeth that have become damaged, weakened, or otherwise compromised, a dental crown can provide critical protection to help prevent further damage and to help patients avoid the loss of a natural tooth for longer — or even indefinitely. At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates in Farmingdale, NY, esteemed dentist Dr. Angela Ferrari understands the importance of preserving your natural teeth and offers a range of restorative dental treatments and procedures — including dental crowns — to help make this possible. Review the benefits of dental crowns for protecting and strengthening weakened teeth here, and learn more about whether you may be an appropriate candidate for a dental crown.
What is a dental crown?
Often referred to simply as a crown, a dental crown is a commonly used dental restoration that covers all exposed surfaces of the tooth. In some cases, dental crowns are made to replace a missing tooth, which involves the attachment of a custom crown to a dental implant or as part of a bridge or dentures.
Will a dental crown protect my cracked tooth?
When a tooth becomes severely decayed or damaged, it may be necessary to extract the tooth and replace it with an implant and an implant-supported restoration. However, it is often possible to save the natural tooth by covering it with a dental crown. In this scenario, Dr. Ferrari will perform any necessary treatments — like a root canal, for example — to address the damage or decay. After this, some amount of natural tooth structure will be removed to allow room for the crown. A custom crown will then be crafted to perfectly fit over the natural tooth and be affixed — or “seated” — with a specialized bonding material. Dental crowns are remarkably durable, helping to protect and even strengthen the tooth, allowing patients to speak, eat, chew, and more with improved function and comfort while reducing the risk of additional damage.
How do I know if I need a dental crown?
One of the best ways to determine with certainty whether a dental crown may be right for you is to schedule an examination with Dr. Ferrari. During this appointment, Dr. Ferrari will perform a thorough evaluation and order or review any necessary dental imaging studies (x-rays). Based on the results of this evaluation and consultation, Dr. Ferrari will recommend the most appropriate type of dental restoration possible, which may be a crown. Common types of damage or weakening that can be treated with dental crowns include:
- Cracked tooth
- Decayed tooth
- Tooth that has been treated with a root canal
- Weak tooth
- Worn-down tooth
Is a dental crown permanent?
Dental crowns are extremely durable and stain-resistant, meaning they can keep a patient’s smile looking and functioning at its best for many years or even decades. However, patients should keep in mind that they may require a dental crown replacement or repair at some point in time. To preserve your dental crowns for as long as possible, be sure to:
- Brush and floss appropriately
- Avoid hard, sticky, gummy, crunchy, and sugary foods
- Do not bite your nails or chew ice
- Minimize consumption of staining foods and beverages
- Attend your regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings
With these healthy dental hygiene and oral health habits, you can ensure your dental crowns last as long as possible.
Protect your natural teeth for longer with custom dental crowns in Farmingdale, NY
Even if your natural tooth is cracked, worn, or weakened, you may be able to avoid a dental extraction with the placement of a dental crown. To learn more about whether a dental crown may be an appropriate and effective solution for you, call Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates to schedule your Farmingdale, NY dental crown consultation with Dr. Angela Ferrari today.