subject: Damaged Teeth? Dental Crowns Can Help [print this page] For teeth that are damaged or significantly decayed, natural-looking, tooth-colored crowns may be an appropriate solution for restoration. Dental crowns can also be used for purely aesthetic reasons - to change the shape or appearance of the teeth. Whatever the solution, your dentist in Arlington has the experience and knowledge to produce superior results.
Restore your Teeth with Dental Crowns
When the damage to a tooth is extensive, a crown is often used to cover the weak tooth. Crowns can be used for various reasons, including:
*To treat or protect a weak tooth, or those with large fillings
*To strengthen a fractured or broken tooth
*To enhance a tooth that is discolored or treated by a root canal
*To hold a dental bridge in place
*To cover a dental implant
*To provide a strong, smooth, attractive surface for stained, misshapen or abnormal teeth
*To improve the shape, size or color of teeth
While conventional crowns have been used to strengthen teeth for decades with great success, they were unable to improve appearance due to the dark metals used to fabricate the crowns. With recent advancements in dental technology and an increasingly high demand for esthetics from patients, crowns made of porcelain have emerged as a popular alternative to unsightly metal crowns.
Preparing and Applying the Crown
During your first visit, your dentist may numb the tooth that is to be crowned in order to remove the decay that is in or around the tooth. The tooth is then re-sculpted to provide an easy fit for the dental crown and is a painless procedure performed in the dental chair. An impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where permanent, custom dental crowns are created.
While waiting for the fabrication of your dental crown, a temporary crown will be fitted onto the teeth for protection until the permanent crown is completed. At your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary dental crown and fit the permanent dental crown onto your tooth. Your dentist will make sure the crown has the proper look and fit before cementing it into place.
Recovering from Your Procedure
After your permanent crown is placed, your Arlington dentist will provide you with information on how to properly care for your new restoration. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene habits by brushing twice daily and flossing with dental floss or interdental cleaners, once a day. These practices will help to remove plaque from the area where the crown meets the gum, and to help prevent dental decay and gum disease.
Additionally, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects, as this can damage your crown. It is also important to avoid biting your fingernails and grinding your teeth, which could significantly shorten the life span of your dental crown. If you habitually clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend wearing a nighttime mouth guard to help protect your crowns while sleeping.
Contact your dentist in Arlington if you have a cracked, decayed, or damaged tooth. The use of a dental crown can help to protect your tooth from further damage in the long run.
by: Gen Wright
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