A dental crown is a prosthetic tooth made from a variety of metals or tooth-colored porcelain. It can be used to cover an existing tooth to protect and strengthen it or in combination with a dental implant or bridge to replace a missing tooth. Your local dentist at Bruce Family Dentistry in Great Falls, MT provides full restorative services including dental crowns.
What is a Dental Crown?
A natural tooth is comprised of two parts: a root and a crown. The root is the part that anchors your tooth to your gum and jawbone. The crown is the functional part that sits above your gumline. A dental crown is a restorative prosthetic tooth that looks just like a natural tooth. It can be placed over an existing tooth to strengthen and protect it, or it can be attached to a dental bridge or implant to replace a lost tooth.
When You May Need a Dental Crown
It can be tricky for Great Falls area dental patients to know if they need a dental crown. But here are some signs that you may benefit from having one.
- After a large filling: If Dr. Bruce has to remove a large area of decay from a tooth, even after a filling the structure of the tooth is weakened, making it vulnerable to fracturing. It can be covered with a crown to add extra strength.
- After a root canal: During a root canal, the tooth is hollowed out and then filled. A crown can be added to strengthen the tooth.
- After a broken cusp: The cusps of the teeth are the surfaces that are used for tearing or chewing. If they break off or become damaged, the tooth can be protected by adding a crown.
- To change a tooth’s appearance: Many dental patients choose crowns because they want to change the shape, color, or size of their teeth.
- Because of excessive wear: In some cases, the teeth become worn down due to grinding or acid reflux. Crowns can be added to restore the normal size of the teeth.
- Dental implants: A crown is added to a permanent dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
If you live in or around Great Falls and would like to find out more about dental crowns, call Bruce Family Dentistry today at (406) 452-2964.