How Does a Dental Crown Protect Your Tooth?

dental crown Miami, FL

A dental crown can be used to fix a wide range of dental issues. Also called caps, these are tooth-like shells that are used to encase an entire tooth. It serves multiple functions: protecting the tooth from further decay and restoring its appearance.

Issues that crowns are often used to fix:

  • Chipped, broken or cracked teeth
  • Badly discolored teeth
  • Severely decayed teeth
  • Infected teeth
  • Short teeth
  • Gaps between teeth

How a dental crown protects a tooth

Here are ways that a crown protects the wearer's tooth from further damage:

1. It keeps away things that can damage the tooth 

A dental crown protects teeth by keeping them safe from all the irritants in the mouth. Saliva, bacteria, food particles and acids are responsible for most of the dental issues people develop. Since the crown fully encases the tooth, these substances cannot reach the affected tooth to cause more damage.

For example, acids in the mouth are responsible for the vast majority of tooth decay. Some of these acids get into the mouth via the things a person eats, while others are produced by oral bacteria. These acids eat away at the protective outer layer of tooth (enamel), leaving the more sensitive parts of a tooth exposed.

2. It reinforces the tooth and protects it from bite forces

A crown also protects one's teeth from the forces involved in chewing. This is particularly important if the tooth has already been damaged. A crown restores the structural integrity and function of the tooth, allowing the patient to chew and speak with the damaged tooth as they have always done.

3. It holds the tooth together

When a tooth is protected with a cap, any fragmented parts of the tooth are held in place by the crown. This prevents the tooth from breaking into small pieces over time. It makes dental crowns an effective way to fix teeth that have fragmented into multiple pieces.

What to expect when getting a crown

There is not much to getting a dental crown. It starts with an evaluation, during which the dentist examines the patient and their oral issues. If the dentist determines a crown is the best solution, the patient's tooth will be prepared. This might involve removing a portion of enamel to make sure the crown holds tightly onto the remainder of the tooth.

An impression of the patient's mouth is taken, and this is sent to a dental lab that makes crowns. It takes about two weeks for the prosthetic to be ready. The dentist will usually fit the patient with a temporary crown and send them on their way.

Once the crown is ready, the patient is called back for an appointment, during which the temporary crown is taken out and the permanent one installed.

Need a crown?

Stop by our Miami office if you are dealing with a dental problem that requires the use of a crown.

Request an appointment here: https://www.machadodentalcenter.com or call Machado Dental Center at (305) 434-4973 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Cosmetic Dentist Procedure Options For Your Smile Makeover

If you find yourself hiding your smile due to imperfections in your teeth, a meeting with the general dentist for cosmetic dentist treatments can transform your smile. Whether you wish your teeth were straighter and whiter with no flaws, there are different dental procedures available to transform your smile. This article covers a few of…

Wisdom Tooth Extraction And Top Reasons It Is Recommended

Understanding more about wisdom tooth extraction and why it is necessary is a great idea. Many people need their wisdom teeth extracted from their mouths in order to support overall good oral health. This extra set of teeth can potentially cause problems with the existing teeth, making it necessary for anyone whose wisdom teeth are…

Clear Braces Vs. Traditional Braces

Clear braces and traditional braces are the options patients get to explore when they are dealing with teeth alignment issues. Metal braces are the oldest option available and they have been proven to be effective for over a century. The main problem with metal braces is poor aesthetics. The patient is left stuck with a…

What Procedures Are Performed By A Laser Dentist?

Are you thinking about making an appointment with a laser dentist? This recent form of dentistry is becoming more common in both preventive and restorative care. It is helpful to learn more about what this professional can do and how visiting one can benefit your oral health and smile. In laser dentistry, the dentist can…

Recent Posts

Cosmetic Dentist Procedure Options For Your Smile Makeover

Cosmetic Dentist Procedure Options For Your Smile Makeover

If you find yourself hiding your smile due to imperfections in your teeth, a meeting with the general dentist for cosmetic dentist treatments can transform your smile. Whether you wish your teeth were straighter and whiter with no flaws, there are different dental procedures available to transform your smile. This article covers a few of…

Wisdom Tooth Extraction And Top Reasons It Is Recommended

Wisdom Tooth Extraction And Top Reasons It Is Recommended

Understanding more about wisdom tooth extraction and why it is necessary is a great idea. Many people need their wisdom teeth extracted from their mouths in order to support overall good oral health. This extra set of teeth can potentially cause problems with the existing teeth, making it necessary for anyone whose wisdom teeth are…