Dental crowns are used in general dentistry very frequently as they are quite versatile. They can solve a number of problems ranging from a simple chip to a severe break. When considering dental restorations, it is worth looking into dental crowns. Outside of being versatile, they are offered in different materials, which can be helpful for individuals looking for variety and options. 

Uses for dental crowns

Outlined below are a few scenarios in which a general dentist may recommend dental crowns.

Decay

The main reason a general dentist may recommend a dental crown is to restore a decayed tooth. Decay occurs when there is an infection in the tooth or nearby in the gums. Long-term, if the infection does not get treated, the tooth can begin to decay, which can lead to a need for a dental crown. Decayed teeth can be restored with a number of dental crowns, ranging from metal ones to ceramic. 

Dental crowns are also recommended and often required to finish a root canal. Root canals are performed in order to remove severe amounts of decay within a tooth. To protect the tooth after a root canal, a dental crown can cover the exposed roots and protect them from further damage.  

Chips and cracks

An injury can result in a chipped or cracked tooth, which can require a dental crown to fix. Cracks and chips are not necessarily always detrimental, however, they can ruin one's aesthetic. Additionally, they put the soft tissues within the mouth at risk, which can result in a further injury. 

Dental crowns can completely cover chips and cracks so that the tooth is restored and renewed, thus improving aesthetics, reducing risk and ensuring good oral health. 

Other imperfections

There are other imperfections that may require a dental crown to fix, such as stains or tooth breaks. In some scenarios, stained teeth cannot be whitened, whether it be due to years of build-up or a sensitivity to the products. Thankfully, a ceramic or porcelain dental crown can be used to cover the stains and renew the tooth so that it appears lighter and whiter. Additionally, a tooth break can be fixed with a dental crown as it can completely cap and cover it, thus stopping the break and preventing it from getting worse. 

Tooth replacement

Dental crowns are often used in conjunction with other prosthetics to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges and implants can be used to replace the structure of a tooth, and then, dental crowns can be attached to the bridge or implant to complete the replacement. Dental crowns that are used for tooth replacement are often ceramic or porcelain because they are both white in color, which ensures a natural-looking replacement. 

Learn more about dental crowns

Want to find out more about dental crowns? Working with a general dentist is the best place to start. An evaluation can be done in order to determine the appropriate course of action, which may include one or multiple dental crowns. Reach out today to learn more or to get started. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistryinredmond.com or call Essence of Dentistry at (425) 885-0200 for an appointment in our Redmond office.