Discover the main purpose behind this popular dental restoration.
Dealing with a tooth that is cracked, broken or severely decayed? If so, it’s time to get yourself into our office right away to see our White 
Lake, MI, family dentist Dr. David Campbell. Damaged teeth are prone to further damage if left untreated. Luckily, the sooner our dentist treats the problem the sooner you can get the restorative dentistry you need to preserve the tooth.
A dental crown is one of the most commonly placed dental restorations because they restore the strength, functionality, bite force, and appearance of a tooth after infection, trauma or decay has weakened it. A crown is a hollow cap that is made to look just like a real crown of a tooth. This cap fits over the visible part of the tooth and provides a protective barrier for the rest of the structure that’s left.
When is a dental crown placed?
There are many reasons why our White Lake, MI, family dentist will place a dental crown. Some of the most common reasons include:
- To strengthen a tooth
- To preserve a severely decayed tooth when a large filling cannot provide ample support
- To improve the overall appearance of a tooth, from the shape and size to the color
- To preserve a tooth after root canal treatment
- To cover a dental implant to replace a single missing tooth
- To support a dental bridge to fill gaps in your smile
What is a dental crown made out of?
In most cases a dental crown is made from tooth-colored materials such as porcelain or ceramic because these materials most closely resemble the appearance of real tooth enamel. Since teeth are naturally different sizes, a dental crown also has to be custom-made to fit each tooth perfectly.
How long do crowns last?
Even though crowns are extremely durable they can’t last forever. This is another reason you should visit your family dentist twice a year for checkups. During these exams we can check the crown and determine when it needs to be replaced. A damaged crown is a dental emergency, so if your crown breaks or falls out it’s important that you call us right away.
With the proper care your dental crown could last anywhere from five to 15 years. Protecting your teeth and your crown from excessive wear and tear and practicing good oral habits can improve the longevity of your crown.
Are you dealing with a damaged tooth? Are you experiencing a toothache? Any dental problems that you are dealing with in White Lake, MI, should be taken care of as soon as possible. Our friendly dental staff can get you in right away for the immediate treatment you need, just call us!