Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
At Hartrick Dentistry, we strive to prevent tooth loss whenever possible. We can protect a permanent tooth by installing a dental crown, saving teeth even if they have sustained serious damage. Once in place, a crown restores the shape, function and appearance of your tooth.
You might be wondering, when is the best time to get a crown? Find out today on the blog, as we explore when a crown is the best treatment option.
What is a dental crown and how does it work?
A crown replaces the whole exterior of a tooth. In the past, receiving a crown entailed two appointments with your dentist. At Hartrick Dentistry, however, we now have CEREC® technology that can complete an entire permanent crown in a single visit. We take digital impressions of the tooth being treated and then fabricate the permanent crown right there in our dental office in Royal Oak, eliminating the need for traditional impressions or a temporary restoration. Digital scans also are more accurate, which means your crown will align better with your bite. We customize a crown to the shade of your other natural teeth, so that it blends seamlessly into your smile.
We work exclusively with crowns made of dental porcelain, a material that is beautiful, durable and has a translucency similar to natural tooth enamel. Once your crown is installed, Dr. Hartrick will make sure it fits well and that it aligns with your bite. You should be able to resume your normal routine almost immediately once the procedure is complete. Maintaining it is easy; just brush and floss your crown the same way you would your other natural teeth.
When is a crown the best treatment option?
- Injury: A crown can repair a tooth that has been fractured, broken or severely chipped. This prevents further damage to the tooth or potential exposure of the dental nerve.
- Decay: Certain areas of decay are too large to be repaired by a filling. Even in the event of serious damage to a tooth from decay, a crown can restore the exterior and repair the tooth.
- Failing restoration: If an existing restoration such as a filling needs to be replaced, then you may need to install a crown to prevent additional harm to the tooth.
- At the end of another procedure: We install a crown at the end of a root canal or to complete the installation of a dental implant.
- For aesthetic reasons: Sometimes a crown is a good choice for a cosmetic procedure. It can be ideal for a badly misshapen tooth, a tooth with severe stains that does not respond to whitening procedures or a tooth that cannot be treated with veneers or a dental bonding procedure.
Dental Crowns in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan
Are you facing any of the above treatment situations? If so, then schedule a consultation at Hartrick Dentistry today to learn more about our crown procedures or any other treatment offered at our office in Royal Oak. Make your appointment by calling ((248) 549-0950 or visiting our website.