A good smile equals good health. However, dental health conditions such as fractured or weak teeth can threaten aesthetics and function. One of the most effective ways to repair a tooth is through a dental crown. So how do you know when you require one? In this article, we cover the signs that inform you that a tooth requires a crown and how it will benefit your oral health.
What Is A Dental Crown?
A crown is a cap put over a damaged or broken tooth to make it the original size, strength, shape, and colour. Crowns are made specifically to blend in the colour and shape of natural teeth, with both aesthetic and practical advantages.
Symptoms You May Require a Dental Crown
1. A Big Cavity
If a tooth has a bigger hole than what a standard filling will seal, the tooth will require a crown. Fillings can also cause weakening of what remains of the tooth so that it cracks. A dental crown in Waterloo offers a firm solution for sealing the entire tooth and keeping it safe from future damage.
2. Cracked or Broken Teeth
Teeth can crack as a result of trauma, biting hard objects, or grinding. Small cracks can be fixed with bonding, but large fractures usually need a crown to support the tooth and prevent it from breaking further.
3. Root Canal Treatment
Following a root canal, the tooth is weakened. To avoid breakage and regain functionality, a dental crown is fitted over the treated tooth. This provides durability and protection against future damage.
4. Worn-Down Teeth
Teeth grinding (bruxism) and acid erosion can gradually wear down teeth. When a tooth is too short or weakened, a crown can restore its original shape and function.
5. Severe Tooth Discoloration or Misshaping
If a tooth is heavily stained, crooked, or broken, a crown offers a cosmetic answer. Unlike veneers, which cover the front surface, a crown covers the entire tooth, enhancing strength and looks.
6. Dental Bridges and Implants
Dental crowns near you also come in aid of dental bridges and implants. They are anchors in bridges or artificial teeth installed atop implants to replace missing teeth.
Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
- Restores Strength: A crown supports the tooth, enabling it to withstand everyday chewing and biting forces.
- Improves Appearance: Crowns are made to match natural teeth, enhancing your smile.
- Long-term Solution: With good maintenance, crowns can last for decades.
- Saves Tooth from Further Damage: A crown is a protective cover, shielding against further wear, fractures, and decay.
The Dental Crown Procedure
If you think that you require a crown, a dentist near you will help you out. The procedure would generally entail the following:
- Examination and Preparation: The tooth is examined and prepared by your dentist by clearing out damaged sections.
- Impressions and Temporary Crown: An impression is made to construct a personalized crown. A temporary crown is fixed until the permanent one is manufactured.
- Permanent Crown Placement: After preparation, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent one is bonded with dental cement for a comfortable fit.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
In order to prolong the life of your dental crown around you, consider the following easy care tips:
- Brush and floss daily to maintain oral hygiene.
- Steer clear of biting hard foods or objects that may harm the crown.
- Schedule periodic check-ups at a dental clinic near you close to you for professional cleaning and checks.
When to See a Dentist for a Crown
If you have tooth pain, injury, or sensitivity, then it might be time to get a dental crown. A professional dental checkup will indicate if this is the ideal choice for you. Our skilled dentist in Waterloo, Harmony Dental Care, offers excellent dental crowns to fix your smile and oral well-being. Schedule an appointment with our dental office near you today to receive personalized treatment!