Broken or decayed teeth not only look unattractive; they can lead to greater problems such as infection and abscesses. Mala Sheth, DDS, of Alpine Village Dental, serving Los Angeles’ South Bay region, is a highly accomplished dentist with considerable experience fitting crowns and restoring your smile. Call Alpine Village Dental in Torrance, California, today to find out more or book an appointment online.
Dental crowns are artificial caps that go over your teeth when the real tooth is damaged or diseased, restoring the natural appearance and function of the tooth. Dr. Sheth uses Zirconia e.max crowns to ensure they’re biocompatible with your body, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction.
If you develop tooth decay or a tooth sustains damage, the sensitive pulp and roots inside the tooth are exposed, causing discomfort and sometimes extreme pain. If you don’t fix the damage or decay, the infection can set in, and you may end up losing your tooth.
Crowns are useful for:
Crowns protect what’s left of your tooth after Dr. Sheth treats the decay and infection, avoiding tooth loss, restoring your ability to eat properly, and minimizing pain.
Before fitting a crown, Dr. Sheth ensures your tooth is suitable for a crown, as there needs to be enough healthy tooth left to attach the crown to. If there isn’t enough tooth for a crown, Dr. Sheth uses filling material to build up the tooth so that the crown can securely attach.
If there are sharp edges, Dr. Sheth files them down. Then, when the tooth is ready, she takes a mold of your teeth. The mold enables the creation of a custom crown that perfectly fits the contours of your existing tooth. When the crown is ready, Dr. Sheth fits it into place using dental glue.
Crowns are very durable and should last for years if you take care of your teeth. That means:
If you don’t follow these basic steps, the adhesive holding the crown in place may break down, loosening the crown and leaving it vulnerable to bacteria that could cause decay and infection.
To prevent tooth loss and restore your oral health, contact Alpine Village Dentistry and find out more about crowns by calling the clinic or booking an appointment online today.