When teeth are damaged due to injury or tooth decay, you might worry that the tooth cannot be saved. Dental crowns are a popular way to repair damaged teeth and prevent extraction, so you can chew and bite normally without pain or a gap in your smile. New Bern, NC dentist Dr. J. Stephen Hoard offers comfortable, natural-looking dental crowns to patients dealing with missing teeth or even as part of a cosmetic treatment plan. Here are the top 5 benefits of dental crowns.
1. Crowns relieve tooth pain.
Dr. Hoard often uses dental crowns to complete restorative treatment by repairing damage to a tooth’s enamel or structure. If you have extensive decay, a root infection, or enamel injury such as a fracture, chip, or break, you may feel pain when you eat or drink. If the issue is severe enough, you may have constant discomfort. Once Dr. Hoard addresses the underlying issue with an appropriate treatment (filling, root canal, etc.), the remaining portion of the tooth may still be vulnerable to further damage or discomfort. A dental crown can protect your tooth against further damage while also reducing sensitivity.
2. Crowns are a simple treatment.
You might think that getting dental crowns is a complicated or intense procedure. In reality, this treatment is minimally invasive and relatively straightforward. Once your enamel is cleaned and the damaged parts removed, Dr. Hoard will gently shape your tooth so that it can securely hold a crown. Next, he will make a mold of your tooth to cast your crown. This process will usually take about two weeks. In the meantime, you’ll receive a temporary crown. When it’s ready, Dr. Hoard will place it on your prepared tooth and hold it in place with a strong bonding cement.
3. Dental crowns are custom-designed for every patient.
Dr. Hoard and our dental lab team will design your dental crown according to the shape, size, and hue of your existing tooth. Once the slight soreness around the area subsides, you’ll likely forget you even have a crown, and most people probably won’t notice unless you tell them.
4. Crowns can restore your natural appearance.
Dental crowns are mainly intended to restore teeth to health and relieve dental discomfort, but they also offer numerous cosmetic benefits. Because they fit over the existing tooth, they can instantly correct discoloration, staining, misshapen teeth, crookedness, chips, cracks, fractures, and more. Therefore, they can correct some purely cosmetic issues, much like porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding; however, insurance may not cover them. Consult with Dr. Hoard’s dedicated staff about what your insurance will and will not cover.
5. Crowns last many years.
Dr. Hoard uses strong materials to create our patients’ dental crowns. With conscientious care, including daily brushing and flossing, as well as routine exams and cleanings, these prosthetic teeth can last 15 to 30 years.
Enjoy the Advantages of Dental Crowns
Whether you need to replace an existing crown or have a tooth that needs one, New Bern, NC dentist Dr. Stephen Hoard can create a custom dental crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Contact our office today at (252) 507-0373 or request an appointment online anytime.
