Custom dental crowns are versatile and can be used in restorative and cosmetic procedures alike. But how can you know if this option is right for you? Today, Dr. Abbey Lee discusses dental crowns at Smiles 4 Grant Park and explores five reasons why you may need to consider this treatment.

To learn more about the wide range of services we offer, contact Smiles 4 Grant Park. Call 404-328-7177 to make an appointment.

Crowns are custom-crafted restorations that cover the entire tooth surface for protection and reinforcement. Placement of a dental crown typically takes two office visits. During the first visit, Dr. Lee removes decay or damage and reshapes the tooth in preparation for your new crown. Next, impressions are taken of your teeth and sent to a trusted dental lab where your restoration will be crafted. Once the crown is complete, we will schedule you for a second visit at which Dr. Lee will assess the fit and bond it into place.

In the sections below, we will talk about five indications that a dental crown may be necessary.

#1: You have a large cavity.

Small cavities can be effectively repaired with dental fillings. However, fillings are not appropriate for larger areas of decay, as they can significantly weaken the tooth structure. Moderate to severe cavities will require a dental crown, which can restore the broken-down tooth and protect it from further damage.

#2: Your tooth is cracked or fractured.

Whenever a tooth becomes fractured, the overall structure weakens. That is why crowns are often recommended for chipped or cracked teeth. Dental crowns can alleviate any discomfort, hold fractures together to prevent them from worsening, and help distribute bite forces evenly across the teeth.

#3: You have dental staining.

In many cases, dental discoloration can be effectively treated with professional teeth whitening. But did you know that some types of stains are deep within the tooth structure? These are called intrinsic stains, and they are caused by trauma, certain health conditions, or some prescription medications. Intrinsic stains do not respond well to teeth whitening. In these cases, dental crowns can mask the discoloration and create a brighter, whiter smile.

#4: You had root canal therapy.

Root canal therapy can help save a tooth from extraction by eliminating the source of infection. During this procedure, the living tissues inside the tooth – including the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues – are removed and replaced by a rubbery dental material. The tooth is then cleaned and sealed to prevent recontamination. In many cases, a dental crown is also recommended to protect the weakened tooth and restore the patient’s bite.

#5: You replaced a missing tooth with a dental implant.

Dental implants are currently the most reliable teeth replacement solution with a success rate of over 95 percent. Implants replace the roots of the missing teeth. Once the implant posts have healed, they will need to be restored. If you had a dental implant placed to restore a single missing tooth, then your dentist will connect a dental crown to the implant once the recovery period is over. Once treatment is complete, patients can use the implant just like a natural tooth.

Contact Our Atlanta, GA Dental Practice

Are you interested in learning more about dental crowns or any of the other service we offer at Smiles 4 Grant Park? If so, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee. During a comprehensive examination, she can design a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs. Call our office at 404-328-7177 or contact us online anytime.