Dental crowns are one of the most important and versatile dental restoration procedures. They may be used for a variety of dental functions and they have a strong positive influence of oral health and the aesthetic appearance of the tooth.
What Are Crowns?
Crowns are a composition of metal or porcelain which completely encircle or cap a tooth or dental implant. Thus they derive their name from the fact that they essentially “crown” a tooth. After a dental impression of the patient’s mouth has been taken the crown is fabricated outside the mouth and then applied at a subsequent appointment. The crown itself may be made of dental porcelain, dental amalgams, or gold depending on the patient’s personal preferences and budget.
Uses of a Dental Crown:
- To cap and protect a cracked or damaged tooth
- To allow for the application of dental prosthetics
- To protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
- To improve the appearance of the tooth
In the first instance the crown may be needed on a tooth that has a deep cavity or other significant damage to keep the condition from further degrading. In the second scenario a crown may be needed to facilitate bridgework, partial or complete dentures, or other dental prosthetics. Crowns are also typically required after root canal therapy to protect the treated tooth from cracking or suffering damage during chewing. In the final instance a dental crown may also help restore the appearance of the patient’s teeth by creating a more consistent contour and color.
Crowns and Weaver-Jaynes DDS
At Weaver-Jaynes DDS we care deeply about our patients’ dental health and good crownwork is an integral part of that health. We take the time to ensure that our patients fully understand the procedure and know what to expect from their new crowns. We also have sedation dentistry options available for patients who suffer from dental-related anxiety.