Many patients come to the dentist with complaints of teeth that are cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged. Our Fort Worth dentists can use dental crowns to restore those teeth. In fact, the dentist can place a crown in order to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth. A crown, which can be made of a composite resin or porcelain that is fused to metal to increase its strength, is attached to the tooth with a bonding agent, making it a permanent solution. The material can be adjusted to fit in with the natural shade of the surrounding teeth, and crowns are stain-resistant and maintain that shade over time.

Crowns are versatile devices. In addition to resolving more cosmetic problems with the teeth, crowns can be used to cover a tooth following a root canal, especially if it is in the back of the mouth. Some teeth may become brittle and prone to breakage after a root canal, and a crown can protect these teeth from further damage.

The dentist also places crowns on adjoining teeth to anchor the replacement tooth in a fixed, permanent bridge. Crowns are also appropriate for restoring teeth in which cavities are too far advanced to be treated with fillings alone.

Crowns tend to be strong and durable, making them able to withstand many forces. With proper care, your crowns can last for decades. Even so, you should still be cautious when biting into hard materials, and try to avoid placing too much strain on the crown. If you grind your teeth, you should also get treatment for that condition to extend the life of your crown.

If you have a damaged or compromised tooth, visit our office to see if you are a candidate for a dental crown.