Restorative dentistry is just part of what the team at Miami Modern Dental offers for patients. Restorations are used to repair areas of the smile that may have been damaged or need an extra layer of protection. This includes the use of dental crowns.
Dental crowns explained
One of the most common dental restorations is that of the dental crown. Also known as a cap, a dental crown is made of porcelain to match the natural color, shape, and size of the other teeth. This ensures seamless integration into the smile, especially when it comes to aesthetics. These restorations are custom made and bonded onto the top of the tooth to add an extra layer of protection and strengthen the natural tooth.
When might a dental crown be used?
There are several situations in which a dentist at Miami Modern Dental may suggest the fabrication and placement of a dental crown:
- Dental crowns are used to bond with false teeth called pontics, creating a dental bridge for the replacement of one or more teeth in a row.
- Dental crowns are used over an abutment on a dental implant to restore the implant and act as a false tooth.
- Dental crowns are bonded over natural teeth that have had root canal therapy, due to a weakened structure.
- Dental crowns are bonded over natural teeth that have extremely large fillings, as the tooth structure may not be as strong as it was prior.
- Dental crowns may be used over teeth that are cracked or chipped to restore structure, function, and smooth edges that could cut soft tissues in the mouth.
Can a dental crown be repaired?
In most cases, when a dental crown cracks or breaks, it will need to be replaced. Trying to repair a dental crown will only make it weak and susceptible to further damage. A dental crown can be removed and then replaced entirely with a new dental crown at Miami Modern Dental.
What is the process of replacing a dental crown?
First, the broken crown will be removed. This includes removing the cement that was there to hold it in place. The tooth structure is cleaned and polished before impressions are made and sent to a ceramist for the fabrication of the new dental crown. The dentist will give the ceramist instructions regarding the color, shape, and size to fabricate the crown so that it matches the patient’s existing, natural teeth. A temporary crown is bonded in place to protect the exposed structure until the new restoration comes into the dental office. Once the new dental crown arrives at the practice, the patient comes back in for the bonding of the restoration into the smile.
How long does a dental crown last?
With proper care and continued maintenance, most patients will enjoy their dental crown for ten years or longer. Of course, the longevity depends on the care patients take in maintaining the health of their mouth. Oral health care is important in ensuring the avoidance of dental decay and periodontal disease. These can impact the health of the smile and in turn, reduce how long restorations such as dental crowns will last. Patients should never hesitate to ask their dentist how they can care for their teeth and gums to protect not only their dental restorations, but also their oral health. Improving the longevity of restorations will save patients money overall.
Learn more about restorative solutions such as dental crowns
At Miami Modern Dental, we allow our patients to ask about all the dental restorations available, so they can make an educated decision regarding the repair of their smile when problems arise. Call our staff today at (786) 338-9228 and speak with our staff about scheduling an appointment. We are always accepting new patients into our state-of-the-art practice to discuss the benefits of restorative dentistry with our father and son team. We are conveniently located at 7155 West Flagler Street.
