Tooth Crowns - Do You Need One?

May 22
14:50

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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If you have a cavity or a broken tooth, you could be in need of a crown. Tooth crowns help to prevent damage and protect your teeth from further harm.

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No matter how well you take care of your teeth,Tooth Crowns - Do You Need One? Articles there's always a chance something bad could happen. An accident can break or chip a tooth, for example. And even with great hygiene, there's always a chance that a cavity can develop anyway. One of the best ways to treat cavities, cracks, and damage in teeth is with tooth crowns. A crown essentially is a cap for a tooth that restores it to a natural tooth's shape while protecting any nerves or pulp that might otherwise be exposed.

There are many reasons a tooth may need to be crowned. The primary and most common cause for a crown is to repair a tooth with a cavity. Crowns are also frequently used to repair broken or chipped teeth. The crown is designed to repair the damaged tooth and restore its shape to something close to the original. A damaged tooth may have painful exposed nerves or jagged edges which can injure the inner mouth or damage surrounding teeth. Crowning can reduce or eliminate issues with the faulty tooth. It can also be used as a precautionary measure to stop a cracked or damaged tooth from regressing further. 

Depending on your needs, your dentist may suggest one or more of the available crown variations. Many people are familiar with metal crowns. They stand out visually and are sometimes used as a cosmetic enhancement, especially gold crowns. Metal crowning is popular because it is durable, long lasting, and easy to install. It's also very conspicuous, so metal is not the best choice if you want to keep your crowns hidden. An alternative is a porcelain-fused metal crown, which looks more like a natural tooth but is metal underneath. Porcelain can also be used alone in crowns for an even more natural look, in exchange for less durability.

While good oral hygiene is important at all times, special practice should be taken to ensure the longest life for your crown. This is especially important when dealing with a temporary crown installed at the dentist's office while waiting for your permanent crown to be manufactured. Take care to floss from front to back and not up and down and not to remove the floss by pulling up. This will help prevent dislodging or removing the crown. If you are having any problems with your crown, you should contact your dentist and set up a time to have it fixed or replaced. An over-the-counter dental adhesive can be used for a temporary fix if necessary.

Tooth crowns are a valuable option for people with dental problems. Damaged teeth can be very difficult to deal with. Exposed nerves can cause pain. The uneven surface of the tooth can lead to pain or difficulties in chewing. You can cut the inside of your mouth on a jagged tooth. Furthermore, a tooth with a cavity can get food particles caught in it, which can contribute to bad breath. If you are experiencing symptoms of cavities or you have a damaged tooth, you should consult a dentist and look into having the offending teeth crowned.