Although it’s a fact that tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in our bodies, our teeth can still be damaged by way of injury or tooth decay. When this happens, you should consult your dentist to decide if the tooth can be saved and how much of it can be saved. A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to both save and repair it. Once covered by a crown, your tooth will again resemble and function like a healthy tooth and can be used for biting and chewing.
Crowns are custom-made by dentists to resemble your existing tooth enamel and cover it from the chewing surface down to the gum line.
Dr. James Furgurson can create and place crowns for his patients for both medical and cosmetic purposes. While you’ve probably heard of dental crowns, you may not understand how these artificial tooth surfaces can help your damaged teeth look and function better.
At our Chapel Hill Dentistry, Dr. Furgurson wants his patients to understand the treatment options available to them and their advantages. To learn about the benefits of dental crowns and how they can help save your teeth from damage and decay, read on.
1. Crowns help relieve pain.
Dr. Furgurson uses dental crowns constructed of high quality materials to complete a restorative treatment, repairing damage to a tooth’s enamel or structure. If your teeth have suffered extensive decay, the infection of a tooth’s root, or damage to your tooth enamel such as a fracture, chip, or break, you may feel occasional sensitivity or pain when you eat or drink. If the problem is severe enough, the feeling may persist.
Once Dr. Furgurson addresses the underlying issue with your tooth with an appropriate treatment (filling, root canal, etc.), the remaining portion of the tooth may still be vulnerable to further damage which can continue to cause discomfort. A dental crown can protect your tooth from additional damage while also reducing sensitivity and eliminating pain and restoring its appearance and functioning.
2. Crowns are a simple procedure.
You might think that having a dental crown placed would be a complicated or difficult procedure. But, the truth is that this process is minimally invasive and relatively simple. Once your enamel is cleaned and the damaged parts have been removed, Dr. Furgurson will shape your tooth so that it can securely hold a crown. Next, he will make a mold of your tooth from which your crown will be cast.
Crowns are usually made of lifelike porcelain or composite resin, depending on your budget. This process of creating the crown will usually take about 2-3 weeks. You will have a temporary crown installed in the meantime to help you talk and eat normally. When it’s ready, Dr. Furgurson will place it over your prepared tooth and it will be held in place with a strong bonding cement.
3. Crowns are a versatile treatment.
Dental crowns can be used to address a variety of dental conditions, including:
- After root canal therapy
- To protect a tooth with a large tooth cavity
- To repair a broken tooth or cracked tooth
- To improve the appearance of a crooked tooth or misshapen tooth
- To cover a tooth that is stained or discolored
- To close gaps between teeth
- To lengthen teeth or improve a “gummy smile”
- To address other restorative dentistry concerns
4. Crowns last many years.
Dr. Furgurson uses quality materials to create his patients’ dental crowns and places them with skilled precision. With conscientious care such as daily brushing and flossing, as well as routine examinations and cleanings, your crown may last for many years.
Enjoy the Advantages of Dental Crowns
If you’re in the Chapel Hill, NC area, Dr. Furgurson and his team at Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry would like to help you receive the restorative benefits of dental crowns or any other dental procedure you may need. Please contact us online or call 919.205.9308 to find out more about crowns or any other dental treatment you may be interested in or to schedule a routine cleaning.