If your tooth cannot be restored by a traditional dental filling, our dentist may recommend a dental crown to help restore the damage. Dental crowns provide a durable and natural-looking restoration that can bring back your smile. They can cover and protect the entire visible portion of the tooth. With a dental crown, our Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA, patients can regain their smile and confidence once again.
Dental Crowns in Atlanta, GA
Dental crowns, or caps, are a treatment designed to restore the strength, functionality, and appearance of teeth broken or damaged by decay, disease, or injury. Crowns are custom-made to fit your smile and are bonded over your original tooth to cover it and prevent further damage. If you replace a missing tooth, your crown may be placed atop a dental implant. Your dental crown is intended to be a long-lasting solution for your oral health and smile.
Uses for Dental Crowns
We can use dental crowns in a variety of different situations to address many dental problems. Here are some common scenarios where you may need a dental crown:
Protect a Weak Tooth: If a tooth is weakened by decay, a large filling, or a root canal treatment, a dental crown can protect it from further damage or fracture.
Restore a Broken or Damaged Tooth: Teeth that are cracked, fractured, or extensively decayed may require a crown to restore their function and appearance. Crowns can hold together parts of a cracked tooth and prevent the crack from spreading.
Cover a Large Filling: When a tooth has a large filling due to decay or damage, a crown can provide added support and protection. Crowns help to prevent the filling from becoming loose or breaking, especially in teeth that undergo significant chewing forces.
Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or badly stained teeth. They can cover teeth with severe discoloration or reshape teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Cover Dental Implants: Dental crowns sit on top of dental implants to create a natural-looking tooth replacement. We attach the crown to the implant abutment to complete the restoration.
Support a Dental Bridge: A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth, but it requires the support of adjacent teeth. These supporting teeth are often covered with crowns to anchor the bridge in place.
After a Tooth Extraction: Following a tooth extraction, a dental crown can restore the appearance and function of the missing tooth. This is often done with dental implants or dental bridges to fill the gap left by the extracted tooth.
Protect Against Tooth Wear: People who grind or clench their teeth may benefit from crowns to protect their teeth from excessive wear. Crowns can provide a durable surface that resists the forces of grinding and clenching.
Care and Maintenance for Dental Crowns
To maintain your oral health and ensure the longevity of your crowns, you need to know basic care. While crowns are durable, they still require regular attention to maintain their function.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly, paying attention to the area where the crown meets the gum line.
- Be cautious with hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the crown.
- Visit your dentist for routine check-ups to ensure the crown remains in good condition.
- If you grind your or clench your teeth, a night guard may be recommended to protect the crown.