How Dental Crowns Restore Damaged Teeth
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Dental crowns are extremely versatile, helping to address a wide range of dental issues — both cosmetic and structural in nature. For patients with a damaged tooth (or teeth), dental crowns may be used to protect the tooth from further damage and restore the patient's ability to eat, chew, and speak comfortably. In other cases, a dental crown may be used to conceal discoloration or other aesthetic imperfections to give patients a more beautiful, seamless smile. At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates, Farmingdale, NY dentist Dr. Angela Ferrari utilizes advanced dental technologies and restorations, including dental crowns, to give patients the healthy, bright, and strong smiles they deserve. Keep reading to learn more about how dental crowns can address damaged teeth.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is an artificial restoration that is used either to protect a compromised tooth or, in the case of implant-supported crowns, to replace one or more missing teeth. For teeth that have been damaged or compromised, a dental crown is a hollow device that fits over the tooth, almost like a glove, while an implant-supported crown is a solid, tooth-shaped restoration that is attached to a metal screw (dental implant) that has been implanted into the patient's jawbone.
What kinds of dental problems can crowns help with?
Damaged or compromised teeth are often addressed with crowns, which not only help to protect the tooth from additional damage but can also improve the patient's comfort, dental function, confidence, and more. Some of the types of tooth damage that can be addressed with a dental crown include:
- Cracked tooth
- Chipped tooth
- Broken tooth
- Tooth that has been treated with a root canal
- Tooth with a large filling that is beginning to fail
- Missing tooth
When are dental crowns considered cosmetic?
Even when placed over a damaged tooth, dental crowns offer patients the opportunity to simultaneously upgrade the appearance of their smile. However, some people choose dental crowns purely for cosmetic reasons. For these patients, crowns may be used to address a variety of aesthetic dental issues, such as:
- Yellow teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Dull teeth
- Small teeth
- Uneven tooth length
- Gaps between teeth
How much enamel has to be removed for a crown to be placed?
Dental crowns are custom-made to fit perfectly over the affected tooth and snugly between the adjacent teeth, while still leaving enough space to floss properly. In order to accommodate the crown, some amount of natural tooth structure may have to be removed prior to placing the crown. Dr. Ferrari will discuss how much preparation is needed for your crowns at the time of your consultation. Because everyone's dental structure and health are unique, the amount of enamel that has to be removed before placing a crown will vary somewhat from person to person.
How long do crowns last on teeth?
With proper care, appropriate dental and oral hygiene, and healthy habits overall, many patients can enjoy their dental crowns for up to 10 – 15 years or longer. Should a crown become damaged, don't hesitate to call our office to learn more about repairing or replacing a dental crown to restore your beautiful, healthy smile once again.
Upgrade your smile with custom dental crowns in Farmingdale, NY
Whether you have a damaged tooth that needs repair or you simply want to get a more beautiful, uniform smile, you may be a candidate for custom dental restorations. For more information about your options for cosmetic or restorative dental crowns, call Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates to schedule your consultation and evaluation for Farmingdale, NY dental crowns with Dr. Angela Ferrari today.