Could these tooth-shaped restorations protect your oral health?

Crowns, sometimes referred to as dental caps, are hollow restorations that are placed over the entire visible portion of a tooth to strengthen and restore it. These restorations are designed to look just like a real tooth so the only person who will even know that you have crowns is you and your Westminster, CO, dentist Dr. Alexander Smith. Let’s find out more about crowns and when they could benefit your smile.

When are dental crowns used?

This tooth-shaped restoration can be used for both restorative and cosmetic purposes; however, in most cases, a crown can be used to improve functionality and restore strength back into a weak or damaged tooth. Here is when you might be able to benefit from a dental crown:

• You have a cracked or fractured tooth
• You have a tooth that is too weak for a filling to support
• You have to cover a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
• You have a tooth that is severely stained or malformed
• You need to support a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth

What goes into getting a dental crown?

Before you get your dental crown you may have to undergo treatment or tooth preparation depending on what’s going on. For example, if you are dealing with a dental infection our Westminster, CO, family dentist will need to perform root canal therapy to clean out the tooth and get rid of the infection before the crown is placed. Before anything happens we will discuss your treatment plan with you in detail.

Next, we will need to prep the tooth before getting your crown. This entails removing some tooth enamel so there is room for the crown to fit over the tooth. Since an extensive amount of enamel has to be removed we will use local anesthesia beforehand so you don’t feel a thing.

From there, we prepare the tooth and then take impressions. These molds of your mouth are what a dental lab will use to make your very own custom-fitted dental crown. In many cases, a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth until the permanent crown is ready to be placed over the tooth.

The Family Dentist in Westminster, CO, is here to ensure that everyone gets the dental care they need. From preventive dentistry to cosmetic treatments we offer it all so that you can maintain that beautiful smile that you deserve. If you are interested in learning more about dental crowns schedule a consultation with us.