Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing Michigan
Dental crowns are a versatile and reliable solution for a wide range of dental dilemmas, including damaged teeth, severe decay and aesthetic concerns. Let’s explore with our Okemos family dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, what dental crowns are, how they work and the benefits they offer.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that restores a decayed, broken, weak or worn-down tooth. Dr. Tenaglia also uses crowns for dental implants and to top teeth that have been treated with root canals.
What dental dilemmas do dental crowns solve?
Severely decayed teeth
When a tooth is damaged with decay, Dr. Tenaglia can usually clean the decay and use a filling to fill the cleaned hole. But when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling, dentists turn to crowns which encase the entire tooth, restoring functionality and preventing further decay.
Broken or fractured teeth
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body — even harder than your bones! But even a tooth can chip, crack or break. In that case, a dental crown can cover the damaged tooth, preventing further damage and restoring appearance and functionality.
Weak teeth
Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment or have large fillings are often weakened, making them more susceptible to breaking. A crown can provide reinforcement.
Aesthetic improvements
Crowns can be used for cosmetic purposes, too, covering teeth that are discolored or misshapen, for example.
Dental implants
More and more patients with missing teeth are turning to implants, which are artificial tooth roots made from titanium and topped with a crown, providing a natural look and feel.
How do I care for a crown?
Caring for a dental crown is exactly like taking care of natural teeth. Dr. Tenaglia recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and visiting our office for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice and using your teeth as tools, and if you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), consider wearing a night guard. Our office can custom-create one for you.
Dental crowns in East Lansing and Okemos, Michigan
Dental crowns are a versatile and effective solution for many dental dilemmas, from restoring severely damaged teeth to enhancing your smile’s appearance. If you have a dilemma that may need a dental crown, call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 940-8684, or reach out to us online today.