When you are unfortunate enough to suffer damage to your teeth, there are a number of treatments that can be used to correct this damage. Yet, there are many dental patients that are not as informed about these treatments as they need to be. In particular, patients may benefit from having questions concerning dental crowns answered so that they can better weigh this dental repair option.
What Types Of Problems Are Crowns Used To Correct?
A dental crown can be used in a range of situations where the patient's tooth has suffered severe structural damage. This damage can be due to decay, infection, cracks and splits. Essentially, a crown is an extremely hard shell that will protect the tooth. By structurally reinforcing the tooth, it may be possible to avoid the need to extract it. These shells are made to closely resemble a natural tooth so as to minimize any aesthetic issues that may arise.
How Will Your Dentist Install A Crown?
The process for installing a crown is fairly straightforward. The dentist will use a drill to remove as much of the decay or damage as possible. Once these parts of the tooth are removed, a dental adhesive will be applied to the surface of the tooth before the crown will be placed over it.
How Do You Care For A Dental Crown?
It can be common for some patients to make the assumption that a dental crown will require intense maintenance and care. Fortunately, you should be relieved to realize that a dental crown does not require much in terms of regular care. You will still need to brush the crown on a regular basis, and it will need to be professionally serviced each year.
While the crown will not be subject to decay, it is possible for food to get under the crown where it can decay the tooth, but this problem will be mitigated by regular brushing and routine cleanings. When the crown is serviced, a dentist will closely examine the crown to ensure that it is still securely attached to the tooth. If it is discovered to be loose, the dentist will be able to apply more adhesive to help keep it securely in place.
Being told that you will need to receive a dental crown can be a stressful thing to hear because you may not be sure of what to expect. By making sure to understand the types of problems that a crown can repair, the process of installing a crown and the type of care a crown will need, you will be better positioned to make decisions as an informed patient.
Talk to a dental professional like Barry Groder DDS for more information.
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