Learning how to take care of your teeth is as important as learning how to walk. It is vital part of our every day’s life. We use our teeth to talk, eat and smile. With the amount of work our teeth do every day, they are bound to sustain certain forms of damage, for example wear and tear, fractured tooth or a chipped tooth. If you are experiencing any of the mentioned dental problems, you should consult with a dentist to find out whether a tooth extraction or a dental crown is the better choice of treatment.
Dental Crown Vs Tooth Extraction
A dental crown is a common dental procedure, where the dentist will place a tooth-shaped “cap” over the tooth to cover it so as it to restore your tooth’s health and improve its appearance. Among all the pricey dental restoration treatments, opting for a dental crown is one of the least expensive way to treat your damaged tooth.
If you were to choose to remove your tooth instead of stabilizing it, there is a possibility that you will face other oral health issues. For example, your teeth may shift, affecting your bite and jaw structure, which eventually leads to more tooth loss. If you were to still go ahead with the tooth extraction, your dentist will be likely to recommend replacing it with either a dental implant, bridge, partial denture, or a combination of those.
When is a Dental Crown Needed?
- For cosmetic modifications
- Protection of a weak tooth
- To cover crooked, gapped or severely discolored teeth
- To restore a broken tooth
- To hold a dental bridge in place
What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure?
During your first dental visit, your dentist will usually take an X-ray of your tooth and jawbone to determine the severity of the tooth decay or other factors that could increase the risk of infection. A root canal treatment may be needed before your dental crown surgery for some patients.
You will undergo tooth reshaping to allow room for the dental crown. An impression of the shaped tooth will then be made to fit the tooth as closely as possible. Finally, a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it until the permanent crown has been constructed and is ready to be fixed. Your dentist will then review your medical history with you to determine your suitability for a dental crown and your appointment is set.
A local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and its surrounding area during the procedure to fit the crown.
Ready for a Dental Crown?
Before you get the procedure done, it important that you get all the information needed about the process. Do consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist for the procedure to ensure that you get the results you want. Call Dr. Alex Rubinov at (718) 253-0800 today to make an appointment.