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 crow it 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

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 fit the patient with a temporary crown and send them on their way.

Two weeks later the patient comes back in and the temporary crown is taken off and the permanent one placed.

Need a crown?

If you think that you might need a crown, please give us a call to schedule an appointment at (610) 444-8744.

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