Protect, Restore, and Conceal: 7 Common Uses of a Dental Crown

A dental crown is a cap that completely encloses a natural tooth above the gumline. While a crown can turn a discolored tooth bright white, that’s just the beginning of what a crown can do for you.

At Gables Sedation Dentistry, which is located in the Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami, there are seven common conditions for which our providers turn to dental crowns. In this blog, we go over some of the reasons why getting a crown can be a great option. 

1. Add strength

A dental crown completely surrounds a natural tooth. Held in place by a powerful cement, a crown can add strength to weak teeth.

The materials used to make crowns often include metals, such as chromium, gold, nickel, and stainless steel. Furthermore, crowns are often covered with porcelain or ceramic, which can closely match the appearance of natural teeth.

2. Root canal

When the soft pulp and root nerves inside a tooth become exposed or infected, a root canal is often recommended to save the tooth. However, the opening through which your dentist removes the infected soft tissues can weaken the tooth. The solution to this issue, therefore, is usually to place a crown over the tooth to reinforce it.

3. Cosmetic improvement

When a crown has a porcelain or ceramic exterior, it’s indistinguishable from a natural tooth. So if you have a tooth that has severe staining, your dentist can place a crown over your tooth to hide the discoloration and make your tooth look great again. 

4. Bridge foundation

Bridges are tooth replacement systems that use natural teeth adjacent to the space left by a lost tooth. With a bridge, crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap, and they support the false tooth in the middle. 

5. Worn teeth

People who suffer from chronic grinding of the teeth — called bruxism — may have premature wear. Wear may also happen over time or because of the way your upper and lower teeth align. Crowns can restore chewing surfaces and improve bite alignment. 

6. Reinforce teeth with chips or cracks

As with root canals and weak teeth, placing a crown on a tooth with a chip or crack can help reinforce the tooth.

7. As part of a dental implant

A dental implant replaces the entire structure of a missing tooth, including the root. An implant consists of three parts: a titanium post, an abutment, and a crown. The post is anchored into the jawbone, and it acts like the new tooth root. The abutment is attached to the top of the post, and the crown is secured to the abutment.

If you think you may need a crown, we can give you a thorough examination and discuss your options. To learn more, call 305-518-1822 or book an appointment online with Gables Sedation Dentistry today.