What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are essentially “caps” placed over existing teeth. They are fixed prosthetic devices, meaning they cannot be removed by a patient once they are cemented in place. Crowns can help restore the look and strength of a tooth. They are normally shaped like natural teeth.
Are dental crowns right for me?
A crown is generally used to help a weakened tooth that needs support. Weakness may have been caused by:
- Trauma to the tooth
- The effects of a root canal
- Erosion of the tooth by a cavity
Crowns restore a tooth’s ability to chew and function properly.
What is involved in getting a crown?
First, Dr. Astrid Alves will remove any fillings or decay in the affected area so that she can determine the health of a tooth to make sure a crown is the right option. Next, she will prepare the tooth and replace the missing portions with porcelain, which will provide full 360° support to provide strength and avoid cracks later on. Dr. Alves often tells patients to picture a crown like a wine barrel, as it fully surrounds the tooth to keep it together and prevent it from breaking.
To learn more about dental crowns in Coral Gables, Florida and schedule your appointment with our prosthodontist, call Forma Dental today at (786) 882-7247.