Why Do You Need Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are one of the most common restorative dental treatments and serve several important purposes in maintaining oral health, appearance, and function. A dental crown is a cap made of materials such as porcelain, metal, ceramic, or composite resin that fully covers a damaged or weakened tooth. Seattle’s Family Dentistry provides dental crowns in Fremont, Seattle, Greenwood, Shoreline, Ballard, Northgate and surrounding regions.
- One of the primary reasons for needing a dental crown is to restore a tooth that has been severely damaged due to decay, trauma, or a large cavity. When a filling is not sufficient to repair the tooth, a crown provides structural support and prevents the tooth from breaking further. This is especially important for molars, which endure significant pressure from chewing and grinding.
- Crowns are also necessary after root canal treatment. Once the infected pulp is removed from inside the tooth, the structure becomes more fragile. Placing a crown helps protect the tooth from fractures and restores its function, allowing the patient to chew without discomfort or worry.
- Another common reason for getting a dental crown is to improve the appearance of a tooth that is severely discolored, misshapen, or worn down. Cosmetic crowns can be carefully matched to the natural color and shape of surrounding teeth, restoring a uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- In cases where a tooth has a large filling and not much natural tooth structure remains, a crown provides the necessary reinforcement to prevent the tooth from collapsing. Crowns are also used to anchor dental bridges, which replace missing teeth by attaching artificial teeth to neighboring natural teeth.
- Additionally, crowns can help treat dental implants. An implant itself is a metal post surgically placed into the jawbone, but the visible, functional part of the tooth is a crown attached to the implant.
In summary, dental crowns are essential for restoring tooth strength, protecting teeth after significant damage or treatment, enhancing aesthetics, supporting dental bridges, and completing dental implants. They help ensure both the long-term health and function of teeth, contributing to overall oral well-being. Call us anytime if you need more information.
