A damaged or decayed tooth can severely impact your smile, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Dr. Mark Johnson understands how important it is to restore your teeth to their full potential. Dental crowns are a versatile solution for a variety of dental concerns, providing a natural-looking restoration that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer a range of benefits, making them a popular choice for many patients:
- Restored Functionality: Crowns can protect and strengthen damaged teeth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with ease. They restore the tooth’s natural shape and size, preventing further damage and discomfort.
- Natural Appearance: Crowns are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend. This provides a visually pleasing solution that maintains the aesthetic integrity of your smile.
- Protection: Crowns act as a protective cap over damaged or decayed teeth, preventing further deterioration. They can also shield weakened teeth from fracture or breakage.
- Durability: Made from robust materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, crowns can last many years with proper care. This durability makes them a long-term solution for various dental issues.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dr. Johnson recommends dental crowns for a variety of dental concerns, including:
- Tooth Decay: When a tooth has a significant amount of decay that cannot be remedied with a filling, a crown can provide the necessary coverage to protect it from further damage.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Crowns can stabilize and protect teeth that have suffered fractures or breakages, preventing further deterioration and restoring functionality.
- Post-Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal procedure, a crown is often needed to protect the treated tooth from future infection or damage.
- Cosmetic Improvement: Crowns can improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth, providing a natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing solution.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Dr. Johnson prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction throughout the procedure. To begin, he reshapes the affected tooth to accommodate the crown, removing any decayed or damaged portions. Then he takes an impression of the tooth to create a custom crown that fits snugly.
While the custom crown is being fabricated, Dr. Johnson places a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. A couple of weeks later, when the custom crown is ready, you may return for your next appointment. Dr. Johnson then bonds the tooth using dental cement, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Caring for Your Dental Crowns
Crowns can last for an average of 10 years with proper care. To maximize their lifespan, brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss regularly to remove plaque and food particles. Pay special attention to the areas around the crown to prevent decay and gum disease. Chewing hard foods, such as ice, nuts, or hard candies, can damage your crown. Instead, opt for softer foods to protect both your crown and natural teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
Don’t let dental issues hold you back from a confident, healthy smile. Our experienced team is ready to provide a personalized dental crown solution, restoring your smile’s functionality and appearance. Contact Dr. Johnson’s office at 505-922-9511 to schedule an appointment at our Albuquerque clinic.