Sporting injuries and car accidents are some of the most common causes of head traumas that lead to dental injuries. Chipped, cracked or broken teeth can be very painful and responsible for years of subsequent dental problems if not treated correctly. One option for fixing a damaged tooth is to use composite resin. This involves making a tooth-coloured resin and applying it to the damaged area. When sculpted into the desired shape a dentist will set the resin firm with the intense heat of a laser. Dental bonding is tough and durable but on certain occasions the damage may be too great to treat with bonding. For example, if the structural integrity of the tooth has been damaged then no amount of dental bonding will be able to save it. In this instance, the dentist will need to repair the tooth using a dental crown. A crown is a ceramic cap that fits over the top of a damaged tooth, protecting it from any further damage while simultaneously restoring its aesthetic appearance.

Dental crowns have a variety of uses in dentistry and are used for more than just repairing damaged teeth. Crowns are also often used to hold dental fillings in place as well as to cover repair work from procedures such as root canal surgery. A crown can be an invaluable defence against further damage to weakened teeth.

Dental crowns are commonly made from porcelain, a type of ceramic that resembles the translucent appearance of tooth enamel. Modern crowns are manufactured with the use of computer-aided technology. Dentists use the very latest in 3D and digital x-ray technology to project an exact image of the patient’s teeth. They can then use a computer to design and manufacture a dental crown from a single piece of porcelain in as little as six minutes. This new computer process has removed the need for extensive dental moulds and x-rays which increased the treatment time involved in a dental crown. Computer manufacture has also radically improved treatment time and accuracy.

A Dental crown is an effective way of keeping teeth that may have otherwise been lost. They can strengthen a weakened tooth and restore its original appearance. If you have a damaged tooth or a filling that is loose and causing you pain, make an appointment to see a Chelmsford dentist and ask about the benefits of dental crowns.

Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation.