In 200 A.D, the Etruscans created dental crowns out of gold and other materials. Yes, even back then, having a functional set of teeth was important!

Let’s fast forward 1,600 years to the late 1800s when Charles H. Land created the “jacket” crown out of porcelain. After some improvements, the crown became widely used from the early 1900s to the 1950s. Unfortunately, the jacket crown wasn’t as durable or safe as initially hoped.

Since then, incredible advancements have been made in dentistry, and dental crowns are more durable and effective than ever.

Here are the most common reasons a dentist recommends a dental crown:

1.    You have a weak or damaged tooth

Teeth typically become weak from decay caused by poor oral hygiene, eating too much sugar, or genetics. If a patient has more than one cavity in a single tooth, a dental crown may be necessary.

Chips and cracks caused by trauma may also require a dental crown to reinforce them or protect them from disease-causing bacteria. When trauma occurs to a tooth, it’s essential to visit a dentist as soon as possible. The tiniest cracks can leave the inner part of the tooth vulnerable to disease and infection. So, even if the injury doesn’t seem that bad, it’s better to have it checked out as soon as possible.

2.    To cover a root canaled tooth

Dentists perform root canals when the nerve (or inner part) of the tooth becomes inflamed or damaged beyond repair. During this procedure, the dentist cleans out the nerves of the tooth and fills them with a material called gutta-percha.

Once the procedure is complete, the natural tooth will need help from a dental crown to remain healthy and strong.

3.    You need a dental bridge

Patients who need to replace up to three missing teeth in a row often opt for a dental bridge. This restoration is made up of prosthetic teeth as well as two dental crowns. The crowns secure the bridge to the patient’s neighboring teeth, and the prosthetics are suspended in the middle.

To place the bridge, part of the dental enamel must be removed from the patient’s natural teeth. If this is concerning for you, ask your dentist about other tooth replacement options, such as a dental implant.

4.    To cover a dental implant

A dental implant can replace a single missing tooth, an entire arch of missing teeth, and anything in between. What makes each solution different is what is attached to the implant.

For example:

• to replace one tooth, the dentist attaches a dental crown to the top of the implant
• to replace an entire arch, the dentist attaches a denture to multiple implants
• to replace several missing teeth in a row, the dentist attaches a dental bridge to two implants

Dental implants are extremely versatile and durable. If you want the most out of a dental restoration, implants are the way to go! They are long-lasting, natural-looking, and highly functional.

Dental Crowns in Grant Park

If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, or if you think you might need one, a second opinion is always a good idea. Dr. Abbey J. Lee is proud to offer several types of crowns to meet every need.

To learn if a dental crown is in your future, call (404) 328-7177 today.