Dental crown from Shepperton dentist saves tooth
Dental crowns are ceramic caps used to protect damaged teeth and restore their cosmetic appearance. A crown is cemented over the top of a damaged tooth, covering the part exposed above the gum and protecting it from further damage. Crowns are also used to protect teeth that have had fillings or root canal treatments.
There are many ways a tooth can be damaged including chips, cracks or breaks. This can happen as a result of a head trauma received during sporting injury or car accident, or it could be something as simple as biting down on something hard when eating. Broken teeth can be very painful and need repairing to prevent exposure to further damage. The dentist will first attempt to repair a tooth using dental bonding but this is often inadequate for serious damage.
To fit a dental crown the dentist will first clean the tooth and remove any excess material. Then, using an instrument known as a burr, they will reshape the tooth removing some of the enamel to allow the crown to fit over the top. The surface of the tooth will then be etched and roughened to allow for greater grip before the crown is cemented over the top.
Crowns can be made of a variety of materials, including gold and silver for the more extroverted, but they are commonly made from porcelain or other ceramics. Porcelain is a perfect material for a dental crown because it is tough and durable, but also it naturally resembles the appearance of tooth enamel. Porcelain crowns can last up to fifteen years if cleaned and cared for correctly.
Crowns are increasingly manufactured using the very latest computer aided technology. 3D imaging and digital x-rays make it possible to design crowns on a computer screen and sculpt them from a single piece of porcelain in only six minutes using a computer-guided milling machine. Prices vary depending on the nature and size of the damage and what material you choose for the crown.
Dental crowns are very useful dental tools that can make the difference between keeping and losing a tooth. A well-made crown can offer years of protection for a tooth that could otherwise be a source of great pain and discomfort. If you are suffering with the pain of a broken tooth, make an appointment to see a Shepperton dentist and as about dental crowns