A dental crown, often called a “cap,” is one of the most versatile and important restorations in all of dentistry. It is a custom-made, tooth-shaped covering that is placed over a damaged tooth. A crown’s purpose is to completely encase the entire visible portion of the tooth down to the gum line. In doing so, it restores the tooth’s original shape, size, and strength, while also dramatically improving its appearance. While a simple filling is used to repair a small area of decay, a dental crown is recommended when a tooth is more significantly damaged and needs comprehensive protection and support.
What Does a Dental Crown Do?
A crown serves several crucial functions:
- It provides strength and protection. By covering the entire tooth, a crown holds it together and protects it from the immense forces of biting and chewing, preventing a weak tooth from fracturing.
- It restores the tooth’s function. A crown restores the original size and shape of the tooth, allowing it to function properly in your bite.
- It improves the tooth’s appearance. A crown can cover up a discolored, misshapen, or badly damaged tooth, creating a beautiful and natural-looking result.
The Most Common Reasons You Might Need a Crown
Your dentist may recommend a dental crown for a variety of reasons, all of which involve a tooth that has been structurally compromised.
- A Very Large Cavity: If a tooth has a very large area of decay, a simple filling may not be sufficient. Once the decay is removed, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure left to support a filling. A crown is needed to hold the tooth together and protect the remaining structure.
- After a Root Canal Treatment: A root canal is a procedure that saves a tooth when the inner nerve has become infected. However, after a root canal, the tooth is no longer vital and can become very brittle and prone to fracture. A dental crown is almost always placed over a tooth that has had a root canal (especially a back tooth) to protect it from breaking.
- A Cracked or Fractured Tooth: A significant crack in a tooth can be a serious problem. A crown can be placed over the cracked tooth to hold it together and prevent the crack from spreading further, which could otherwise lead to the tooth splitting and needing to be extracted.
- Severely Worn-Down Teeth: People who grind their teeth (a condition called bruxism) can severely wear down their enamel. Crowns can be used to restore the original size and shape of these worn teeth, improving the bite and protecting them from further damage.
- To Support a Dental Bridge: As the American Dental Association (ADA) explains, a crown is also the restoration that is placed on top of a dental implant and is used as the anchor for a dental bridge.
The Process of Getting a Crown
The process typically involves preparing the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to accept the crown. An impression or digital scan is then taken, from which your custom crown is fabricated. At our office, we are proud to offer advanced CEREC technology, which allows us to design, mill, and place your permanent, high-quality ceramic crown in a single, convenient visit.
Your Redlands Dentist for Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a reliable and long-lasting solution for saving a tooth that is badly damaged or weakened. It is a proactive step that can protect your tooth for years to come and prevent the need for a more costly extraction and replacement. For patients in the Redlands, CA area, Dr. Tuan Pham has the expertise and technology to create a beautiful and perfectly fitting restoration. To learn if dental crowns are the right solution for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Tuan Pham DDS. Contact us today for an appointment.
