Do I need a Crown? Find Out The Most Common Reasons For a Dental Crown

According to the dictionary, a crown is the highest part of something or a circular ornamental headdress. Either definition gives you an idea of the appearance of a dental crown. It is a cap fabricated from a strong material. A crown encircles a tooth, covering the portion that shows above the gum line. While materials and techniques continue to improve, crowns have been around for a long time because they are sound, reliable dentistry. Let's take a look some of the situations where Dr. Don Jones of Social Circle Dental might recommend crowns to patients in the Covington area. 


For strength, support, and protection
When a tooth is cracked, has a large area of decay, or has required root canal therapy its structure becomes weakened. A crown holds the tooth together, providing the support needed for biting and chewing, and affords protection from further damage. 


For restoration
A crown is shaped just like a natural tooth. It reinstates appearance and chewing function for a tooth that has broken off or is severely worn down. A crown is a good solution for a decayed tooth that already has a filling and there isn't enough tooth structure left to hold more filling material. ​

For dental prosthetics
A crown and bridge unit is used to replace a missing tooth. A fixed bridge is an artificial tooth held in place by dental crowns on adjacent teeth. A dental implant is a replacement root for a missing tooth. An implant is also topped with a dental crown. 


For cosmetic improvement
Sometimes a tooth is misshapen or has deep discoloration that does not respond to whitening. A dental crown improves the aesthetic impact of that tooth on the rest of your smile. 


Dr. Jones offers the convenience of same-day crowns with CEREC in-house technology. With a CEREC crown, after your tooth is prepped, Dr. Jones takes precise measurements and three-dimensional images of your mouth. A robust computer program uses that information to design your crown. Those directions go to an in-house milling machine that carves your crown from a small, solid block of porcelain, while you wait. There's no need for the expense of a temporary crown, and you don't have to return for a second visit.


Do you have additional questions about dental crowns? Call Social Circle Dental today at 770-464-1900 for a consultation with Dr. Jones. He will be happy to answer them.
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