A foundational cosmetic procedure, the dental crown is a cemented structure that covers the entirety of the tooth above the gum line. It provides reinforcement to a weak tooth or restores the shape of a tooth that has cracked or broken. It is a common procedure when a patient has a particularly large filling, which needs support to bear the weight of chewing, and also is typically necessary after a root canal has weakened the tooth and made it vulnerable to breakage.
Crowns also can protect teeth that have worn down due to grinding or excessive exposure to acid, either from the stomach or from the diet. If any of these factors cause enamel to wear away to a severe degree, the patient may need a crown or crowns to re-establish the integrity of the bite.
Furthermore, because a crown helps redistribute the force of chewing, it can relieve pain for a patient with an internal tooth fracture and help to prevent that tooth from breaking apart. For other patients, a crown is the final step in an implant and allows for that implant's functionality as a chewing surface, while still others choose a crown to even out an irregular tooth surface and restore aesthetic balance to the mouth.
More information is available through Dr. Roderick's office at 505-821-6119. Patients and others are also welcome to browse available information or use the Web contact form at www.roderickgarciadmd.com.