Fixing a Broken Tooth With a Dental Crown

A broken tooth can ruin a good day. It could have been the result of a blow to the face while playing sports or from biting down on hard candy. Now, you have to eat carefully to avoid severe tooth pain. The appearance is also unsightly and makes you feel self-conscious. Fortunately, the dentist can repair the broken tooth with a dental crown to restore your smile.

Overview of dental crowns

Dental crowns are dental restorations for repairing damaged teeth. The crown covers the tooth, shielding it from further damages, harmful bacteria or anything that may cause pain, like cold, heat, pressure or acid. The crown can also be a cosmetic dentistry treatment that masks the imperfections of a tooth. The dentist can improve the appearance of a tooth with a dental crown while protecting or strengthening the tooth.

Dental crown placement

The dentist will examine the broken tooth to be sure the dental crown will be effective enough to restore the tooth. After the dentist confirms that the tooth is eligible for a crown, they will begin the repair process.

First, the dentist will prepare the tooth by scraping off a thin layer of the tooth enamel. Then they will take impressions of the teeth and gums. These impressions will be used to fabricate a custom-made crown in the dental lab. The dentist will clean the damaged tooth and place a temporary crown over it while the permanent crown is being made. The temporary crown is usually made from composite and is not as strong or fitting as the original tooth.

The process of producing a dental crown takes approximately two weeks. Upon completion, the patient will return to the dental office. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and fit the permanent crown. They will check the patient’s bite and make any adjustments before bonding the crown permanently with dental cement.

Dental crown placement generally takes two appointments, since the crown will be produced off-site. However, some dentists have a device to make same-day crowns; in this case, the entire process can be completed in a single appointment.

Why choose crowns for repairing a damaged tooth?

Crowns are the only dental restoration that encases a damaged tooth entirely, from the head to the base that is flush with the gumline. This means that the crown has certain advantages over other restoration methods. Dental crowns are the only option for repairing a broken or severely damaged tooth that cannot be fixed with veneers, onlays or fillings.

If the broken tooth is at the risk of falling apart, the crown will reinforce the tooth and hold it in place. They are the most effective way to protect against infection. Compared to fillings, onlays and dental bonding, crowns have the highest durability.

Final note

If you have a broken tooth, do not wait any longer. A dental crown can fix the damage and restore the function and appearance of the tooth. Book an appointment with the general dentist to get started.

Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.