Why Would I Need a Crown?
When it comes to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile, sometimes a little extra support is needed. At Ponderosa Dental Center, Dr. Benjamin De Graff and our team are here to ensure your teeth stay strong and functional, even when life throws challenges your way. One way we do that is by using dental crowns. But why would you need a crown, and how can it benefit your smile?
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a cap that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It’s designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. At Ponderosa Dental Center, we often use porcelain or ceramic crowns because they closely match the color of your natural teeth, providing a seamless look.
Reasons You Might Need a Crown
There are several situations where Dr. De Graff might recommend a dental crown:
- Severe Tooth Decay: If a tooth has been damaged by extensive decay, a filling might not be enough to restore it. In these cases, a crown can provide the necessary protection and strength to prevent further damage.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth: Teeth can crack or break due to trauma, grinding, or biting down on something hard. A crown can hold the cracked tooth together and protect it from further injury, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.
- After a Root Canal: A root canal is a procedure used to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. Afterward, the tooth can be more fragile, and a crown is often placed to reinforce it and restore its function.
- Worn Down Teeth: Teeth can wear down over time due to grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion. A crown can rebuild the tooth’s structure, protecting it from further wear and restoring its normal shape.
- Large Fillings: When a tooth has a large filling that covers more than half of the tooth, the remaining structure can be weakened. A crown can help support the tooth and prevent it from breaking.
- Cosmetic Improvement: Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or out of alignment. This can enhance your smile and boost your confidence.
The Benefits of Getting a Crown
A crown doesn’t just protect a damaged tooth—it can also enhance your overall oral health. By covering and stabilizing the tooth, a crown can prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future. Plus, modern crowns are designed to blend in with your natural teeth, so no one will even know you have one.
Trust Ponderosa Dental Center with Your Dental Care
At Ponderosa Dental Center, Dr. De Graff and our team are dedicated to providing the highest quality dental crowns at our Bend, OR, dental office. We understand that the idea of getting a crown might feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through the process with care and expertise. From the initial consultation to the final fitting, you can trust that your smile is in good hands.
If you think you might need a crown or have questions about your dental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Schedule an appointment with Dr. De Graff today, and let us help you achieve a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile that you can be proud of.
