Your Kirkland, WA, dentist, Dr. Bernard Pak, may recommend a dental crown if you have a fragile or broken tooth. In addition to protecting and strengthening teeth, crowns can also improve their appearance.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are hollow restorations that look just like the parts of your teeth visible above your gums. The restorations fit over the tops of teeth, completely covering them on all four sides.
Crowns may be made of porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic and resin. In addition to resembling tooth enamel, all of these materials are durable and can withstand years of wear and tear.
Thanks to a dental impression made during your first crown visit to the Kirkland dental office, your restoration will blend in with your smile perfectly. Before the impression is made, your tooth will be reduced in size slightly. The reduction ensures that your crown will fit correctly and comfortably.
What can crowns do for your teeth?
A crown may be recommended if your tooth is:
- Broken or fractured
- Cracked
- Fragile
Teeth can break or fracture during a fall, accident or blow to the face. If your tooth is weak or cracked, simply taking a bite of food could cause a break or fracture. Appearance is understandably the thing that most concerns people who have broken a tooth, but it's not the only issue. Broken teeth can be painful, make chewing difficult, and may cut your mouth.
Crowns cover the exposed ends of teeth, stopping pain and preventing lacerations. Since the restorations restore the normal height, width and shape of teeth, you'll be able to chew normally once again.
The restorations also protect fragile teeth at risk of breaking. Teeth can weaken due to:
- Cracks
- Age-related brittleness
- Large fillings
- Root canal therapy
Healthy teeth can easily handle the strong biting forces generated when you chew. Unfortunately, fragile teeth may soon break when exposed to these forces. If the break is severe and extends into the root, it may not be possible to save the tooth. Dental crowns absorb strong biting forces, reducing the stress on the tooth underneath. Adding a crown to a fragile or cracked tooth keeps it strong and prevents a break from ever occurring.
Protect your teeth with dental crowns! Call your dentist in Kirkland, WA, Dr. Bernard Pak, at (425) 893-9500 to schedule your appointment.