Dental crowns are one of the most common appliances used in dentistry. Their versatility makes them trusted in handling various oral problems in dental care. If you are looking for a readily available alternative to treat any oral problem you have, considering oral crowns in Langley. This might be your best decision yet.
What Are Dental Crowns?
They are tooth-shaped porcelain materials that cover the outermost part of a tooth. They are created as a replacement for a damaged tooth’s enamel. When a tooth incurs any kind of damage, the first part to be affected is the enamel. When the enamel is damaged, it exposes the internal parts of the tooth, which poses further damage to it.
Why Are Dental Crowns Used?
They resemble the external structure of a tooth. They are made for the primary purpose of replacing the enamel. This is usually when the enamel is damaged or is at risk of damage, like in the following scenarios:
- Dental decay – the process of tooth decay starts with a cavity. The cavity eats into the structure of the tooth, damaging the enamel. This damage may be controlled by dental fillings. However, in some cases, the damage has progressed. It translates to a lot of the tooth’s structure already compromised. Such is a case where dental crowns are used.
- Broken or chipped teeth – an external impact can as well damage the structure of the tooth. When a huge chunk of your tooth has been broken, what is left is hard to save. However, if the root part of your tooth is still intact, a dental crown can restore that tooth.
- Root canal therapy – a root canal procedure is meant to save your tooth. Once it is completed, the external but has to be properly sealed to prevent future damage and infection. This is where dental crowns prove useful.
- Dental bridges – they are used to replace missing teeth in the mouths of patients. Bridges work by having one or two dental crowns supporting an artificial tooth. The crowns provide the support the bridge needs to hold the artificial tooth in place.
- Dental implants – they are titanium metal posts that are inserted into the jawbone of patients as a permanent solution to missing teeth. The implants, however, require dental crowns on the outside for optimal functionality.
How Are Dental Crowns Made?
Crowns are made to mimic natural teeth crowns. It is why they are tooth-shaped. Most dental crowns are generated in the laboratory, after proper diagnosis.
The first step to making dental crowns involves the removal of the enamel. Your tooth’s enamel is removed to create room for a dental crown. For this, you will need local anesthesia to numb your mouth. This is particularly important since a damaged tooth is already painful all by itself. Afterward, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth. For this, a putty-like material is used. The impressions are necessary for coming up with the right size of dental crowns.
How Are the Crowns Inserted?
The installation process is not difficult. When your crowns are ready, you will be scheduled for another dental visit. Even for this step of the procedure, local anesthesia will be necessary. It will numb your mouth as the crown is permanently cemented to your tooth.
What Are the Benefits of This Procedure?
Like in any crucial decision, weighing out the benefits of dental crowns will help you make a more informed decision. Some of the main benefits include:
- Strengthening a tooth – when a tooth is damaged, its structure is more prone to further damage. It is usually weak and cannot properly withstand the tension of regular chewing. Crowns reinforce the strength of teeth.
- Covering dental flaws – say goodbye to all your dental flaws by replacing the flawed enamel with a new dental crown.
- Cosmetic advantage – depending on the type of dental crown you choose you can enjoy a brighter and whiter smile than before.
- Saving a tooth – you do not have to lose your adult teeth just yet. Allow your dentist to work with dental crowns and find a way to save your tooth.