Our teeth can suffer damage in a variety of ways. Everything from biting on a hard surface to developing plaque and decay can cause our teeth to be less effective biters. When our teeth aren’t working properly, we can develop even worse dental problems. A dental crown in Bethesda, MD, can help restore damage to your tooth while preserving as much of the natural structure as possible. While a crown can’t solve everything, it can be extremely beneficial in certain dental cases.
When to Get a Dental Crown in Bethesda, MD
Dental crowns are relatively versatile restorations that can help protect your teeth after damage and other treatments. Your dentist may recommend a dental crown for any of the following reasons.
Extensive Decay or Damage
Decay and damage can quickly develop and spread in your mouth. While a small cavity may be treated by a dental filling, larger cases of decay will need more protection after cleaning. The same is true for fractures and other damages. While a small chip may be fixed with dental bonding, a dental crown is often the best way to preserve a tooth without having to remove it entirely.
Root Canal Treatment
If the decay in your tooth reaches the inner pulp, the infection can cause severe pain, discomfort, and sensitivity. Dentists can remove the infected pulp with a root canal treatment. To do this, your dentist must drill a small hole in your tooth to extract the pulp with specialized equipment. If left as is, the hole can leave your tooth exposed to further disease and damage. A dental crown can help protect your tooth after a root canal to prevent more harm.
Implant or Bridge
Dental crowns are also used in alignment with other, more complex, restorative treatment plans. For example, a dental crown is the most common restoration for a single dental implant. Dental crowns are also used to help support a traditional bridge when patients are missing a tooth. For many multi-step restoration treatment options, a dental crown is the final step before your bite is fully restored.
Dental Crowns for Cosmetic Treatment
Although most commonly used for restorative treatment, dental crowns can also be used to achieve your cosmetic goals. With a dental crown, you can reshape teeth, fix gaps between teeth, and even restore vibrancy after discoloration. There are, however, multiple cosmetic options available, and your dentist can help recommend the best treatment plan for your smile.
At Bethesda Family Smiles, our goal is to help all patients achieve a strong bite with a smile they can proudly show off. If you suffer from damage or decay, you may need a dental crown to help restore your teeth. Call us today at 301.500.2205 to schedule a consultation and see if a dental crown may be the right treatment for you.