Sometimes, damage can occur to your teeth no matter how well you take care of your teeth with brushing and flossing and regular dental visits. Grinding and clenching, old dental restorations, decay, injuries, and other issues can all lead to the need to restore and protect a damaged tooth. In many cases, dental crowns, also frequently called “tooth caps,” are an economical and effective way to do just that.
Dental crown options
At Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry in Dunedin, Florida, Drs. Ryan Lepore and Erin Dougherty provide patients with custom-designed crowns for a healthy tooth that blends seamlessly with your smile. Several different materials are available to fabricate your crown: for example, crowns can be made from all porcelain, porcelain that is baked onto a metal framework, or one of the modern dental ceramics that offer strength and beautiful aesthetics. Typically, all-porcelain crowns at used at our office.
In addition to protecting and restoring a damaged tooth, dental crowns can be used for various reasons, such as replacing a missing tooth on top of a dental implant, anchoring a dental bridge in place, or for cosmetic issues such as permanent discolorations or stains. Dental crowns are typically indicated over fillings when more than 50% of the tooth’s structure is compromised due to already large fillings, extensive tooth decay, or recurrent decay under old fillings.
Crown vs. Filling:
Placing a dental crown
To place a dental crown, Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty will consult you to determine the best options for your specific treatment plan, such as which material will be used for your crown. Then, he will perform the following steps:
- Shape the tooth to prepare it for the crown so that the crown has a natural fit and function within your mouth and bite
- Take impressions of the tooth so that the crown can be custom-fabricated by his expert dental laboratory.
- Once the crown is ready, Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty will check the fit and adjusts it as needed before cementing it into your mouth with a strong dental cement
The right dental care for you
A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works, and when it comes to dentistry, Drs. Ryan Lepore and Erin Dougherty understand that personalized, custom care is essential to your oral health and wellness.
To learn more about the options that are a good fit for your dental needs, call Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry in Dunedin, FL, today at (727) 608-4690.
