Dental crowns from Monroe, MI dentist, Dr. Jeanette Murphy strengthen and enhance the appearance of damaged teeth. Typically, teeth which require these tooth-shaped jackets are decayed, cracked, filled multiple times, or are infected. Do you have an ailing tooth and wish to avoid the problems associated with extraction? Then, read here about dental crowns and how they may help your oral health and personal appearance.

What Causes a Tooth to Fail?

Decay is the most common cause of tooth loss, says the World Health Organization (WHO). However, dental health also may be compromised by repeated fillings, resulting in weak tooth structure leading to fracture. A dental abscess and oral trauma severely compromise the integrity of teeth both above and below the gum line, too.

How Dental Crowns Can Help

Custom-crafted from precious metals, such as porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM) or zirconia (the most natural looking), crowns fit right over the top of remaining healthy tooth structure. Dr. Murphy inspects the tooth in question and also X-rays it to visualize its internal structure and roots below the gum line.

If most of the tooth and interior pulp are viable, she can remove the fractured or decayed portions and then shape the remaining enamel to receive a crown. Choice of materials depends on patient preference, budget and where the tooth is located. Front teeth benefit from the beauty of zirconia crowns. Molars, however, may function best with PFM restoration because chewing creates tremendous physical forces in the back of the mouth.

The Crown Process

It's simple. First, the doctor will make you comfortable with an injection of local anesthetic. When the tooth and the area around it are numb, she'll prepare and shape the healthy portion to accept a crown. Some teeth need a post or other augmentation to support a crown.

Dr. Murphy takes impressions, or molds, of your mouth, so the dental lab knows how to fashion the new restoration. While you wait for your crown (a week or so), you'll wear a temporary crown so you can eat and speak normally.

On your return visit, you'll receive the crown. Dr. Murphy gently will take off the temporary crown and then, using a special adhesive, bond the new one in place. Most crowns bite well with the first try-on, but the dentist may have to make some simple adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.

Other Uses of Crowns

Besides saving individual teeth, dental crowns restore dental implants and anchor conventional bridgework. These tooth replacements successfully fill gaps and confer excellent oral function and smile aesthetics.

Don't Wait

If you are concerned about the health of a particular tooth, please contact Dr. Murphy's office staff in Monroe, MI to arrange a consultation. A crown could save your tooth and your smile. Call (734) 242-4744.