Learn more about dental crowns and how they preserve your smile after dental damage.
Dental crowns are tailor-made, tooth-shaped caps that cover your natural teeth. Thousands of people get dental crowns a day, making them one of the most commonly placed restorations. When it comes to protecting a damaged tooth, our Florence, SC, family dentist Dr. Thomas Cherry focuses on providing you with the restorative dentistry you need to protect your smile. In many cases, a dental crown can do the trick.
You have a severe cavity
Any damage to a tooth, including decay, can weaken it. While a dental filling is often used to restore a tooth after decay, if decay affects the majority of the tooth then a filling may not be enough to protect the tooth. When a filling can’t do the job, our Florence, SC, family dentist will recommend a dental crown. Once the decayed enamel has been removed, we will place the crown over the vulnerable tooth to restore and preserve it.
You have a cracked or broken tooth
While minor cracks and chips typically won’t need a dental crown, if you are dealing with a more severe fracture or crack then a dental crown will be placed. Those dealing with a cracked or fractured tooth may notice suddenly tooth pain and sensitivity that gets worse when chewing or putting pressure on the affected tooth. If you are in pain, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
You need a root canal
A root canal is necessary when bacteria has entered the inside of the tooth and affected the nerve; however, once the tooth has been treated it’s still vulnerable to further damage, which is why a dental crown is needed to cover the tooth and protect it.
You have a discolored or misshapen tooth
Along with the restorative properties associated with a dental crown, this tooth-shaped cap can also improve the overall shape, color, and appearance of a tooth. So, if you have a tooth that is severely discolored, malformed or misshapen, we can create a crown that not only hides these imperfections but also alters the shape and size of the tooth for the better.
Do you have questions about dental crowns? Simply need to visit our Florence, SC, family dentist for a checkup? Whatever your smile needs, the dental team here at Florence Dental Arts can help. Call us today at (843) 665-6200 to schedule an appointment.