How Does a Dental Crown Protect Your Tooth?

A dental crown can be used to fix a wide range of dental issues. Also called caps, these are tooth-like shells that are used to encase an entire tooth. It serves multiple functions: protecting the tooth from further decay and restoring its appearance.

Issues that crowns are often used to fix:

  • Chipped, broken or cracked teeth
  • Badly discolored teeth
  • Severely decayed teeth
  • Infected teeth
  • Short teeth
  • Gaps between teeth

How a dental crown protects a tooth

Here are ways that a crown protects the wearer's tooth from further damage:

1. It keeps away things that can damage the tooth 

A dental crown protects teeth by keeping them safe from all the irritants in the mouth. Saliva, bacteria, food particles and acids are responsible for most of the dental issues people develop. Since the crown fully encases the tooth, these substances cannot reach the affected tooth to cause more damage.

For example, acids in the mouth are responsible for the vast majority of tooth decay. Some of these acids get into the mouth via the things a person eats, while others are produced by oral bacteria. These acids eat away at the protective outer layer of tooth (enamel), leaving the more sensitive parts of a tooth exposed.

2. It reinforces the tooth and protects it from bite forces

A crown also protects one's teeth from the forces involved in chewing. This is particularly important if the tooth has already been damaged. A crown restores the structural integrity and function of the tooth, allowing the patient to chew and speak with the damaged tooth as they have always done.

3. It holds the tooth together

When a tooth is protected with a cap, any fragmented parts of the tooth are held in place by the crown. This prevents the tooth from breaking into small pieces over time. It makes dental crowns an effective way to fix teeth that have fragmented into multiple pieces.

What to expect when getting a crown

There is not much to getting a dental crown. It starts with an evaluation, during which the dentist examines the patient and their oral issues. If the dentist determines a crown is the best solution, the patient's tooth will be prepared. This might involve removing a portion of enamel to make sure the crown holds tightly onto the remainder of the tooth.

An impression of the patient's mouth is taken, and this is sent to a dental lab that makes crowns. It takes about two weeks for the prosthetic to be ready. The dentist will usually fit the patient with a temporary crown and send them on their way.

Once the crown is ready, the patient is called back for an appointment, during which the temporary crown is taken out and the permanent one installed.

Need a crown?

Stop by our Long Beach office if you are dealing with a dental problem that requires the use of a crown.

Request an appointment here: http://lbfamilydental.com or call Leila Zamiri DDS at (562) 453-1214 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Three Reasons Not To Use Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and undesirable results. Instead, it is best to visit a licensed dentist for teeth whitening treatment. They can ensure the safety and effectiveness of teeth whitening treatment. While it may be tempting to try and save a few dollars on a store-bought whitening kit, it is…

A General Dentist Talks About Dental Phobia

Dental phobia is typically classified as a more severe form of dental anxiety. It leads many people to avoid visiting the dentist altogether, and those who do visit the dentist battle through fear and severe anxiety. The good news is that there are effective ways for a general dentist to help patients who struggle with…

Convenience And Comfort Are Benefits Of Invisalign Therapy

Invisalign® is one of the most popular ways to undergo orthodontic treatment. General dentists are recommending teeth straightening via Invisalign® because of the many benefits that come with it. Having an understanding of these benefits may be helpful to those looking at their options. Keep reading to find out more. Below is an explanation of how comfort…

3 Ways Emergency Dentists Provide Quick Relief

Wondering what an emergency dentist can do for you? Read on to learn more about this type of dental health professional. Dental emergencies can arise unexpectedly, causing significant discomfort and anxiety. An emergency dentist can help in such cases. They provide immediate care and relief by addressing urgent dental problems that cannot wait for a…

Recent Posts

Three Reasons Not To Use Over The Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Three Reasons Not To Use Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and undesirable results. Instead, it is best to visit a licensed dentist for teeth whitening treatment. They can ensure the safety and effectiveness of teeth whitening treatment. While it may be tempting to try and save a few dollars on a store-bought whitening kit, it is…

A General Dentist Talks About Dental Phobia

A General Dentist Talks About Dental Phobia

Dental phobia is typically classified as a more severe form of dental anxiety. It leads many people to avoid visiting the dentist altogether, and those who do visit the dentist battle through fear and severe anxiety. The good news is that there are effective ways for a general dentist to help patients who struggle with…