Key Uses For Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns are among the most important treatments in restorative dentistry. They serve key purposes in both tooth repair and replacement. From reinforcing root canal-treated teeth to fixing teeth or helping to replace missing ones, a dental crown is a versatile and effective solution for restoring smiles.

About the dental crown

Also known as dental caps, crowns are tooth-shaped restorations that typically cover natural teeth to attach restorations or repair the tooth. Dental crowns are indirect restorations because they must be constructed outside the mouth, unlike fillings or dental bondings, which do the work directly on the tooth. Dentists may recommend porcelain, zirconia, metal, composite resin, or a combination of materials to construct the crowns, depending on their purpose and the patient's needs.

Dental Crowns: Key uses

The following are the major ways general dentists use dental crowns to help repair or replace teeth.

Repairing damaged teeth

Significantly damaged teeth require more than a filling, inlay, or onlay. Sometimes, a dental crown is the only way to save a damaged tooth. The crown can encase the damaged tooth, restoring its structure and function. A crown is usually the recommended solution when a crack in a tooth reaches the pulp chamber.

Reinforce root canal-treated teeth

After a tooth undergoes root canal therapy, it is devitalized. Though the tooth can still function, it becomes more vulnerable to decay or damage. A dentist often recommends reinforcing a root canal-treated tooth with a dental crown to restore its function and protect it from further damage. They are also more likely to recommend crowns for root canal-treated molars due to the biting force they will sustain.

Improve the appearance of teeth

Dental crowns can also improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth. Suppose a tooth is misshaped, discolored, or has multiple irregularities. A dental crown made from porcelain or zirconia can create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance that blends in with the other teeth.

Part of a dental bridge

Another important use for dental crowns is tooth replacement. Dental crowns also play an important part in completing a traditional dental bridge. These bridges comprise of a false tooth or teeth flanked on either side by dental crowns. The dental crowns are cemented over the teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth or teeth.

For a dental implant

Dental crowns are the finishing component of dental implants, one of the most popular tooth replacment options. Dental implants are considered state-of-the-art for tooth replacement, as they most closely simulate a natural tooth. A dental implant involves the surgical placement of a screw-like titanium post into the jaw, which acts as tooth roots. The dentist completes the process by adding a dental crown to the implant, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural teeth.