Curious why our dentist in Dunedin might recommend a dental crown for your oral health? Let’s dive into the world of crowns, also called tooth caps. Bayshore Family Dental loves these versatile tooth restorations, which can do everything from protecting damaged teeth to filling gaps in your smile. Read on for when we will (and won’t) use a crown for your care.
#1: To Protect a Damaged Tooth
One of the main reasons to opt for a dental crown is to safeguard a damaged tooth. Our teeth face threats from decay, trauma, and everyday wear and tear. When a tooth is cracked or weakened, a crown comes to the rescue, providing essential reinforcement. By encasing the entire tooth, crowns prevent further damage and allow you to smile, chew, and talk confidently again.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, over a quarter of adults aged 20-64 have untreated cavities. While prevention is vital to bring those statistics down with preventative care, it’s also essential to get treatment from a dentist in Dunedin if you do have tooth damage or decay.
#2: To Restore a Worn-Out Tooth
Did you know that teeth can wear down over time due to grinding (bruxism), acid erosion, and simply getting older? When a tooth becomes noticeably worn, a crown from our Dunedin dentist can work wonders in restoring its original shape and size. Crowns not only rebuild tooth structure but also offer a durable and visually appealing solution.
#3: To Support a Dental Bridge
Tooth bridges are used to replace one to three missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth anchored by crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth. Without crowns, the bridge wouldn’t have the necessary support to function effectively.
At Bayshore Family Dental, we love dental crowns because they offer a less invasive tooth replacement option than implants. Dental implants are a great solution, but patients who are anxious, on a budget, or looking for alternatives can get a unified smile with dental bridges from our dentist in Dunedin.
#4: To Cap a Dental Implant
Tooth implants are an exciting and popular solution for missing teeth. After our dentist in Dunedin places the implant into your jawbone, we cap it with a beautifully crafted crown. This crown gives you a natural-looking and fully functional tooth replacement.
In fact, attaching a crown not only enhances your smile but also ensures your implant can handle the rigors of chewing and speaking without any hassle. While the implant part is below your gum line, it’s the crown that fills in the gap.
When We Don’t Use Tooth Crowns
- Aesthetic Concerns: Crowns are sometimes confused with tooth veneers. While crowns improve smile aesthetics, they’re made to repair damage.
- Small Cracks or Chips: For minor damage, dental bonding repairs are less invasive, preserving more of the tooth’s natural structure.
- Early Decay: In the case of minor cavities, simple tooth fillings may suffice. Crowns are typically reserved for more significant structural issues.
Our Dunedin Dentist Has Your Smile Covered—Literally
Still have questions about crowns? Have a dental issue that you suspect requires a tooth cap? Reach out to Bayshore Family Dental today to set up an appointment with our dentist in Dunedin, FL. We find the best solution for your oral health, whether that’s a crown, veneers, bonding, or a filling. Contact us today!
