There are many types of dental services that you may need to keep your teeth healthy. Beyond cleaning and checkups, dentists can also provide other types of dental care or services to help damaged teeth last longer and improve your smile and appearance. Dental crowns are one type of service you may want to consider. Let’s learn more about the purpose of a dental crown.
A crown is a dental term that refers to a ceramic, or in some cases metal cap that is placed on top of an existing tooth. A crown covers the exposed portion of a tooth in order to restore a hard shell of enamel. A ceramic crown should last at least five to fifteen years if it’s cared for properly according to Healthline. The edges of the crown rest near the gumline so that the crown looks like your natural tooth. Let’s look at some purposes of using a crown.
1. Contain Large Cavities
One of the main purposes of getting dental crowns is to contain large cavities. A cavity is caused by a bacterial infection of the enamel and other hard substances that make up each tooth. Bacteria feed off of sugar, so when people consume a lot of sugar and it remains on the teeth, cavities can develop. A cavity will grow larger and larger. As the cavity grows, it weakens the tooth. If the cavity is too large to be contained with a filling, then a crown may be used.
2. Strengthen Large Fillings
Another reason why a crown may be used is in the case of large fillings. A filling is a great way to contain a cavity, but the filling doesn’t add any structural reinforcement to the tooth. If the cavity is weakening the tooth, it may be necessary to have a crown placed as well in order to strengthen the tooth and prevent further damage.
3. Stop Acid Erosion
A crown can also be used to stop acid erosion of the tooth enamel. If a patient suffers from acid reflux, a digestive disease, their teeth are being exposed to stomach acid on a regular basis. This can harm tooth enamel. People who drink soda on a regular basis may also lose enamel through erosion. In order to strengthen the tooth and prevent damage or tooth loss, a crown can be placed over the tooth for protection.
These are a few reasons why you might need dental crowns. If you’re looking for a local dentist who can assist you with dental care, please call White Dental Studio today. We look forward to working with you.
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