Restorative dentistry includes procedures, such as crowns and bridgework, which serve to restore decayed or otherwise damaged teeth. Typically, when there is a problem in the mouth stemming from decay, and one tooth is affected, a dentist will recommend treatment with a dental crown. Crafted and shaped from a mold taken directly from the patient’s mouth, a dental crown is then cemented in place using a dental resin. As opposed to dentures that can be removed at any given time, dental crowns are referred to as fixed dentistry, because they are permanently set into place.
For patients who have cracks, misalignment, chips or stains, crowns may successfully hide these problems, and additionally, add strength and durability to formerly damaged or decayed teeth. A dental crown may be recommended for patients who have had dental implants, and for patients who have had root canals. Crowns may also be used for teeth that have severe damage, discoloration or decay, or for teeth that need serious reshaping. With the porcelain material that is used, dental crowns can be successfully matched to blend with the color of existing teeth, restoring a natural look to one’s smile and mouth. Dental crowns may also be recommended for teeth with old fillings, or for fractured or broken teeth. Crowns may be made of porcelain, a metal understructure with a porcelain top, or all metal.
Dental crowns are made to the existing size specifications of natural teeth, so they keep one’s bite aligned, ensuring that chewing is distributed evenly over all of the teeth. Dentists tend to recommend dental crowns for extensive decay, because of the added strength they bring to a tooth that has begun to crack, break, or generally wear as a result of grinding, bad fillings, decay, or age. Dental crowns may also be used in order to replace old fillings when there is not enough of the original tooth left.
Restorative dentistry can repair the functionality of your smile through the use of
dental crowns and other treatments. A
dentist may also recommend these options in conjunction with cosmetic treatments such as
teeth whitening as part of a comprehensive smile makeover.
