Most Common Uses for Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are among the most highly versatile restorations, serving both restorative and cosmetic purposes. They can both save teeth as well as help dentists replace missing ones. These restorations have been one of the most popular and effective dental restorations for decades. Here are some common ways dentists use dental crowns to restore and maintain smiles.

Common uses for dental crowns

Simply put, dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps cemented over natural teeth or dental implant posts. They can consist of metal, porcelain, tooth-colored composite resin, zirconia, or a combination of materials. Along with this, they are custom-made to fit a patient's particular mouth and needs.

Save decayed or damaged teeth

Sometimes, teeth become decayed or damaged to a point where simple fillings or composite resin dental bondings will not be enough to repair and keep them functional. However, instead of pulling the tooth entirely, a dentist can cover the compromised tooth with a dental crown. The dental crown holds the tooth together and repairs its appearance. In addition, the crown resorts the tooth's chewing function and helps protect it from future decay.

Reinforce root canal-treated teeth

After a dentist performs a root canal, the treated tooth is devitalized. That means it no longer has nerves or the ability to sense pain. While it can still serve its purpose, it is more vulnerable to decay after the procedure. For these teeth, a dentist will often use a dental crown to cover the tooth to help protect it from decay and retain its biting force.

Stabilize and support dental bridges

Dental crowns are important components of traditional dental bridges, restorations that replace one or a few missing teeth. A traditional dental bridge is a false tooth called a pontic flanked on each side by dental crowns. The pontic fills the empty space left by the missing tooth, while the dental crowns attach the pontic to the natural teeth on either side of the space.

Top dental implants

Dental implants are small, screw-like titanium posts that replace missing teeth. The post is surgically implanted in the jaw bone, effectively acting as a replacement tooth root. However, a dental crown completes the dental implant. The dentist cements the crown over the implant post to serve as the visible replacement tooth that takes on the biting force.

Improve the appearance of badly worn teeth

Some people choose to get dental crowns for purely cosmetic reasons. For example, if a tooth is badly stained, misshaped, or damaged, the dentist can make a dental crown to cover the tooth completely. The tooth will be custom-made to look just like a natural tooth with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.