Providing Strength to Weakened Teeth
Your overall health is connected to your oral health. As whole person dentists, we focus on improving both. We know that teeth that are cracked, broken, or misshapen raise functional and cosmetic concerns, as well as total health risks.
In addition to being visually unappealing, damaged teeth may cause pain and discomfort and make it difficult to chew, smile, or speak. Many dental professionals recommend dental crowns for damaged or decayed teeth. Our Oakland dental team and Berkeley dental team, led by Dr. Sepand Hokmabadi, frequently places dental crowns over damaged teeth to provide strength and support, and to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. If you have a damaged tooth that is affecting your ability to eat or speak properly, Total Health Dental Care urges you to contact our dental practice and schedule an appointment.
Before Porcelain Crown After Porcelain Crown
Dental Crowns
Benefits of Dental Crowns
From a functional standpoint, dental crowns are beneficial because they strengthen and support damaged or decayed teeth. Placing a crown over a cracked or broken tooth will prevent it from sustaining further damage; likewise, a crown will provide protection from more bacteria seeping into a decayed tooth. Crowns are also advantageous after a root canal, as the tooth may become weak or brittle. With improved oral health comes improved whole body health, making the benefits of dental crowns far-reaching. Aesthetically, crowns look and feel very similar to natural teeth. Since they are crafted from high quality, durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or resin, crowns can last for many years with proper maintenance.
About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, also known as caps, cover the entire surface of the affected tooth, adding strength and support. They can be crafted from porcelain, ceramic, or metal; however, our practice prefers using metal-free materials. Well-made porcelain crowns blend in beautifully with surrounding teeth in both appearance and feel, while providing all of the practical benefits of their all-metal counterparts. With the assistance of CEREC® one-visit restoration technology our team is able to fit and prepare teeth for the crown, fabricate the restoration, and place it in a single visit.
Placing Dental Crowns
The dental crown placement process is fairly straightforward. The tooth is first prepared for the crown; this involves removing a small amount of the tooth’s structure, including any areas of irreparable damage. Any decayed bits of the tooth’s enamel are cleaned out. Once the tooth is cleaned and prepped, the crown is placed over the surface of the tooth and bonded for a snug fit. The crown is also buffed and polished to give it a translucence that mimics the appearance of natural teeth.
In addition to being placed over damaged teeth, dental crowns may be used to top a dental implant, or combined to anchor a bridge. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of implants, bridges, or dental crowns, contact the Oakland office or Berkeley office of Total Health Dental Care.
