Dental crowns are famous restorations, but a lot of people still do not know what they are and when they might need them. Usually, a dental crown is used to prolong the life of your tooth for a lot of years. Apart from its functional purpose, a crown also provides aesthetic benefits. By restoring the original size and shape of a tooth, it improves its look. So, when do you need to visit a dental practice in Skokie, IL, for dental crowns?
After a Root Canal Treatment
After a root canal procedure, your tooth will be hallowed out, leaving the structure of the remaining tooth at risk of fracturing. Therefore, you can get a dental crown after root canal therapy to strengthen your tooth and prevent breakage.
You Have a Big Cavity or You Need to Replace a Filling
When your cavity is too big that it covers more than half of your tooth’s width, you may want to have a crown to strengthen the remaining tooth. In addition, big fillings must be replaced with crowns, especially if they are showing signs of fracture or stress or when only a little natural tooth has remained.
Improve the Look of a Tooth
Sometimes, a dental crown is used for improving the look of a misshapen or discolored tooth. Also, crowns can be used to enhance the appearance of teeth with big spaces in between them. A dental crown is an effective way to improve an unpleasant smile, thus, boosting your confidence.
You Have Worn Teeth
Many factors can lead to excessive teeth wearing that requires a crown. For instance, if you tend to grind your teeth at night, your teeth can get shorter after some time. Also, gastrointestinal reflux and an acidic diet can lead to teeth erosion. Over time, acid erosion leads to the wearing of tooth enamel, leaving your teeth exposed. In these cases, dental crowns are usually used for restoring your teeth.
Although not many people expect to undergo a dental procedure, knowing what happens in advance can help ease anxiety and ensure you are prepared. A dental crown placement starts with administering local anesthesia to reduce any discomfort. Depending on your tooth’s condition, it might need to be filled first to restore enough of it, onto which the crown can hold. Then, the dentist will shave your tooth down to make room for your crown and make an impression of your affected tooth. A temporary crown will be placed on your tooth, ending your first appointment.
After a few weeks, your dentist will place the permanent crown. Using dental glue or permanent cement, your crown will be held in place.
