Ideally, natural teeth will last a lifetime, but for many people, that is simply not the case. Dentists frequently use dental crowns to fix or replace damaged or lost teeth. A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a covering that totally surrounds the entire tooth surface and restores the appearance and functionality of the tooth. Dental crowns are often used to fix broken or rotten teeth, strengthen teeth with structural damage, and replace a missing tooth as a component of a dental implant procedure.
Historically, crowns were composed of metal alloys, which were very noticeable and rather unattractive. Older crowns were capable of cracking, often necessitating emergency dental care. Today, dentists use ceramic dentures with crowns, making them virtually undetectable and indestructible. Because crowns serve a variety of important purposes, it is important to care for them so they can care for you for a lifetime.
Dental crowns typically do not require any additional care than the rest of your teeth. This does not mean that you can neglect the crown or forego routine oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing and flossing, along with biannual dental check-ups will ensure longevity for dental crowns. Perhaps you are wondering whether ceramic material is susceptible to decay. It is not, but there’s a serious risk of decay occurring where the crown meets your original tooth, so proper oral care is required.
If you are experiencing a problem with one or more of your teeth, or if you have an existing crown that is giving you trouble, the staff at Southfield Family Dental Center are at your service. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry and take great pride in restoring the smiles of our patients. If you are interested in learning more about the ways to extend the life of your dental crown, contact us for a consultation today!
