Dental Crowns
Essentially a helmet or “cap” for a tooth, a dental crown’s main purpose is to protect and strengthen, though they can have cosmetic benefits as well. Our Tampa, FL, dentist will recommend a dental crown if a tooth is made vulnerable by decay, injury, or other damage like nighttime teeth grinding. Made to match your natural enamel shade, you won’t even notice where the seamless restoration has been placed once all is said and done.
Here’s what you need to know about dental crowns in terms of procedure details and benefits.
An Overview of Getting a Dental Crown
The entire crown procedure will take two separate visits to our Tampa dental office. At your first appointment, our dentist will prepare the tooth that requires the crown. If necessary, part of the preparation may include treating a present cavity or performing a root canal.
Once any other dental issues related to your tooth have been resolved, our dentist will file down and trim the tooth’s outer layer. This is done to ensure that the crown fits comfortably over the tooth. We’ll then make an impression of the trimmed tooth and surrounding teeth for reference during fabrication.
Before you leave, we’ll place a temporary crown on the tooth so it is protected until the permanent version is ready. The impression taken will be sent to a dental lab where it is made and after a few weeks, your will arrive at our office. Our dentist will then ask you to return so the crown can be cemented onto your tooth.
How a Dental Crown Can Help
A dental crown is inherently versatile as it can be used to enhance the strength, function, and appearance of a damaged tooth. By encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth, a crown provides robust protection against further damage while restoring the tooth’s natural shape and size.
Crowns can also be used to improve the aesthetics of misshapen or severely discolored teeth, showcasing their ability to offer both functional and cosmetic perks.
In general, placing a dental crown may help:
- Give a weakened tooth the support it needs to keep from breaking
- Hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- Cover and strengthen a tooth with a large cavity
- Keep a dental bridge in place
- Complete a dental implant
Protect & Strengthen Your Smile
You deserve to have a healthy and beautiful smile and our dentist in Tampa, FL, can make that possible with the help of one or more dental crowns. Request an appointment online or call Imagine Dental today at (813) 866-7080 to learn more about whether this type of restoration is right for you.
