October 27, 2011

Tooth Decay: Will I need a dental crown?

Technically, tooth decay is an infection, and a commonly treated dental disease. Similar to other diseases, early detection and proper treatment are best for your health. Routine dental examinations, proper homecare, and a healthy diet are essential to preventing the spread of decay.

Still, even with the proper precautions, tooth decay is just as prevalent in adulthood as it is in childhood. When detected early, your dentist can restore a diseased tooth by placing a simple filling. When the decay has spread towards the center of the tooth, a more substantial restoration, such as a dental crown, may be the best choice. In cases where the decay has reached the nerve, or pulp, a root canal may be indicated, followed by a protective dental crown.

Your dentist may recommend crowns in Fort Worth in cases where the integrity of the tooth structure has been compromised. Compared to a filling, which essentially “fills” a space within the tooth, a dental crown is used to cap and protect the entire tooth. By encircling the tooth, a crown can hold the tooth together, providing the strength necessary for biting and chewing.

Dental crowns can be created from a variety of materials, according to your specific needs. Crowns made of precious and semi-precious metals are generally used to restore the back teeth, due to their ability to withstand the tremendous forces required for chewing. Where esthetics is a factor, these crowns can be coated with porcelain, shaded to blend with the natural teeth. Beautiful all-ceramic crowns can be used to restore front teeth for the most natural-looking result.

Today’s dental philosophy is to save all natural teeth whenever possible. This means that tooth decay is no longer an acceptable reason to remove an otherwise healthy tooth. Advancements in dentistry have made it possible to restore most teeth to their natural beauty and function. Dental crowns are one such method to protect and preserve your teeth.

It is assuring to know that tooth decay no longer equals tooth loss. To find out how a dental crown can be used to save your tooth, call 817.918.4199 for your appointment today.

July 14, 2011

What Types of Dental Crowns are Available?

Dental crowns are used for various types of treatment, both cosmetic and corrective. Different types of crowns are used for different treatments, depending upon the type of issue being addressed and the location of the tooth. If you need a crown in Fort Worth, please call our office for an appointment. We’ll let you know what type of crown is appropriate for your particular needs.

Types of Crowns

There are three basic types of dental crowns:

  1. Metal crowns
  2. Porcelain crowns
  3. Metal crowns covered with porcelain

Traditionally, metal crowns have been used to treat cracked teeth or teeth that have been treated with a root canal. However, more and more patients and dentists are choosing porcelain crowns, instead. Porcelain crowns are color-matched to look completely natural, restoring your smile without adding the visible changes of a metal crown. Porcelain crowns are also less likely to cause discomfort due to exposure to cold or heat. Metal crowns with porcelain covering them are also natural looking, but provide more strength, making them a good option for molars, which experience high levels of stress.

Choosing the Right Crown

Depending upon the location of the tooth and the reason why you are having a crown fitted, your dentist might recommend a specific type of crown. For molars, metal crowns or porcelain-covered crowns are often the better option, since the metal is more able to withstand the everyday wear and tear of chewing. However, porcelain crowns are also strong and durable, and can be a good choice for back teeth. For front teeth, porcelain crowns provide a durable tooth surface without changing the look of the tooth.

Dental crowns are usually used to cover teeth that have experienced severe decay, to keep a cracked tooth intact, or to protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal. Your dentist will discuss the options with your and determine the best type of crown to use for your particular treatment. Whether this is a metal crown or a porcelain crown, your crown will help keep your tooth strong and healthy for many years to come.