Many people believe that a great smile is essential for your appearance and confidence. It is also vital for your overall oral health and well-being. However, as many adults have experienced, teeth can become damaged or broken, leaving patients embarrassed, frustrated, or experiencing pain. When a tooth is damaged, it’s critical to seek professional dental care. Dr. Naveen Chennupati helps his patients restore their teeth quickly and effectively with Zirconia crowns.

WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS? 

Also known as ‘caps,’ a dental crown covers the entire top of the tooth. Where a filling is used on sections of the tooth, a cap is used when the damage is too extensive for a filling or bonding to fix. Crowns are often created from porcelain, which can be custom shaded to be an exact match of your teeth. 

WHO NEEDS A DENTAL CROWN? 

Crowns are commonly used in three types of situations: 

  • Extensive tooth decay — a cavity often starts small but can quickly grow if not addressed. While fillings are commonly used to treat a cavity, it doesn’t work in every case. Examples include large cavities that would require so much of the tooth to be removed that the remaining enamel could not support the restoration; a filling that falls out or begins to break, or a formerly-filled tooth that has decay in another area of the tooth. 
  • Damage — accidents that impact the face and mouth are common. If a tooth is broken or damaged due to a fall, a car accident, or another trauma, it may require a crown to rebuild it to its proper form and function. 
  • Missing tooth — most of us believe that our adult teeth are permanent. In fact, teeth can be lost due to decay or damage. In this case, it’s crucial to replace the missing tooth. Many patients opt for crown and bridge appliances to fill the gap and restore their smile. 

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO RECEIVE A DENTAL CROWN? 

A dental crown treatment usually takes a few weeks and several trips to the dentist. 

  • During the first visit, the dentist will examine your teeth and mouth and determine if a crown is the right option. If it is, measurements and customizations will be recorded and sent to a dental lab to create the dental crown. A small amount of the tooth’s enamel may be removed to make space for the crown and ensure a natural fit. 
  • Once the crown has been created, patients return to the dentist’s office to have the crown placed. The dentist will ensure that the restoration is a perfect fit—both in comfort and appearance— before bonding the crown to the rest of the tooth. 

A dental crown is an effective restoration that addresses many common tooth ailments. Once placed, patients can eat, speak, and smile confidently, knowing their newly fixed tooth will hold strong for many years. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Best Smiles office today at (804)823-5500.