Although human teeth are tough—tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body—they are not impervious to damage. For example, tiny bacteria can lead to tooth decay. And then of course there is the possibility of injury, which can crack or break a tooth. Whatever the reason for damage, tooth repair is critical to save your smile and your oral health. In some cases, the best way to repair a tooth is to enclose it in a dental crown. At Juno Beach Smiles, our dentists use dental crowns (also known as caps) to preserve a damaged tooth, to protect it from further damage and to restore a tooth’s functionality.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Crown?
If you have a tooth that is decayed to the point that a filling would be inadequate, or a tooth that has a penetrating crack that threatens the integrity of the tooth, then chances are you need a crown. Made of dental porcelain, a crown is designed to look just like a natural tooth. It completely fits over your damaged tooth and blends seamlessly with your other natural teeth.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Receiving a dental crown can usually be completed in two appointments. At the first, one of our dentists will prepare your tooth by contouring the top and sides. This is necessary to make room for the crown to fit comfortably over your tooth. Once your tooth is reshaped, we’ll take an impression that our dental lab will use to fabricate your crown. This impression also allows us to make a temporary acrylic crown for you. You’ll want to be careful while you wear this temporary for a couple of weeks; these can break more easily than porcelain and are only held in place by a temporary adhesive.
At the second appointment, we’ll remove the temporary and check to make sure the permanent crown is a perfect match to the color of your smile and will fit comfortably alongside your other teeth. If so, then the crown is cemented over your tooth.
The care you need to give your dental crown is no different than the care you give your other teeth. All you need to do is brush and floss every day. We also suggest that you avoid biting down on hard objects such as nuts and ice cubes, because while your crown is strong, it is not unbreakable.
Call Our Office Today
For tooth repair with a beautiful and lifelike dental crown, contact Juno Beach Smiles. We serve patients in Juno Beach, FL, as well as the surrounding communities of North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Tequesta.