Are Crowns Right for My Dental Problems?

You're happy with your smile--for the most part. Your check-ups are good, but one back molar has been filled several times. Both you and your dentist--Dr. Kevin Midkiff--worry that it may crack. Would a dental crown prolong its life? A full evaluation at your dentist's office in Lynchburg, VA gives the information you need. Learn the details on dental crowns and if one could restore your weak tooth.

What is a crown?

A dental crown is a porcelain jacket custom-made to cover your tooth from the gums and up. This lifelike restoration replaces failing enamel and protects the tooth from further damage or infection. Crowns improve smile aesthetics, too, because the porcelain is perfectly matched to the rest of your smile, and the shape and size properly fill the space.

Is a crown right for you?

Your dentist will determine that with a comprehensive oral examination at his office in Lynchburg. Some teeth are too heavily damaged to receive crowns. Others may benefit from root canal therapy, an in-office procedure which removes diseased pulp from inside the tooth before crowning it.

Additionally, Dr. Midkiff looks at your overall oral health and at-home hygiene habits. Both contribute to the long-term retention of a crown or any other dental restoration.

If you do qualify, you'll spend two appointments with Dr. Midkiff. He'll shape the tooth, take oral impressions and formulate a treatment plan. Also, he'll cover the tooth with a temporary restoration to protect it and normalize its appearance and function while you wait for your permanent crown to return from the dental lab.

When it does, your dentist will take the temporary crown off and replace it with the new one. A strong adhesive bonds the crown in place, and with some easy adjustments, you're ready to go.

Other uses for dental crowns

The American Dental Association states that crowns are very stable and last for years with routine care at home and at your dentist's office. Dr. Midkiff also may use crowns to:

• Cover a dental implant
• Finish root canal therapy (sparing an infected tooth)
• Attach artificial teeth (bridgework) to natural teeth
• Refinish severely cracked or congenitally deformed teeth (such as peg-shaped lateral incisors)

Consult us

At the offices of Dr. Kevin Midkiff, the professional staff combine expert cosmetic dentistry with the comprehensive care family dentists are known for. Your dentist can make your weak molar strong and beautiful again with a porcelain crown. Find out more. Call today for an informative consultation: (434) 239-8133.