4 Ways a Dental Crown is Used

Posted on: 26 February 2016

A dental crown is a common dental application. It can be used to protect a damaged tooth, or it can be paired with other dental applications to secure an appliance in the mouth of the patient. Here are a few instances in which a dental crown is used:

A Damaged Tooth

If your tooth has been damaged due to trauma from excessive bite pressure, decay or a blow to the mouth, a dental crown may be placed to protect the tooth and to restore its integrity. Once the structure of a tooth has been compromised by a hole, crack or chip, the tooth may not be as strong as it was prior to the damage.

Nevertheless, a dental crown can be placed over a damaged tooth that has been reshaped to accommodate the crown.

Correcting a Misshapen Tooth

Dental crowns can also be used to change the way that a tooth looks. A tooth may be misshapen due to a congenital defect. The placement of a dental crown can regulate the look of the tooth and cause it to blend seamlessly with teeth that are more cosmetically appealing.

In addition, if the crown is made of porcelain, porcelain-over-metal or resin, the color of the crown can be matched to that of the other teeth in the dental patient's mouth.

Covering a Dental Implant

A dental implant is a prosthetic mechanism that is installed into the jawbone of a patient to replace the root of a lost tooth. However, before the patient can effectively use the implant for chewing and biting, a dental crown has to be attached.

Once the implanted screw or rod has fused with the jawbone of the patient, it becomes stabilized enough to withstand bite pressure. An abutment is applied at that time to serve as a connector between the implant and a prosthetic crown. Once the abutment is in place, a dental crown can be applied to complete the restoration.

Dental Bridge Crowns

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more lost teeth. A typical bridge includes one or more false teeth suspended in the center of the appliance with a dental crown on each end. The dental crowns are affixed to natural teeth or dental implants that border the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. Once the crowns have been bonded into place, the dental bridge becomes a permanent appliance in the patient's mouth.

To learn more about dental crowns and how they can benefit you, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your area, such as Willowdaile Family Dentistry.

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Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.