As we mentioned in our latest blog, a dental filling treats a decayed tooth. But what happens when your tooth becomes damaged, developing chips or fractures? In order to provide repair for damaged teeth, then your Astoria, NY, dentist may place a dental crown. Not only are these restorations durable, but they can blend with your smile as well.
The Dangers of a Broken Tooth
The outermost layer of tooth structure, known as tooth enamel, is the hardest substance in the human body. This layer protects the sensitive and porous inner dentin and the collection of living tissues known as pulp from bacteria. However, should a tooth become damaged, then the dentin and even the pulp could be exposed to bacteria, leading to painful tooth decay and even infections or abscesses. Treating a broken or cracked tooth, even if the damage appears minimal, is crucial for avoiding these serious complications.
Creating Your Custom Dental Restoration
After you damage a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and see us right away. You can place a cold compress or ice pack against the side of your face while in route to control swelling, and use cloth or gauze to stem the bleeding. A pain reliever can also be beneficial.
When you arrive, we will begin by examining the damage and deciding on the best course of treatment. If we choose a crown, then we need to remove structure from the tooth and take detailed impressions and measurements. Next, we use the information to design a restoration that fits over the visible portion of the tooth. When you return to the office for a second visit, we can place this completed restoration to cover the tooth and prevent further damage or decay.
A Lifelike Appearance
We can create them using a variety of different materials. For example, we could employ porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia, all of which provide a more natural appearance. These materials mimic the translucent nature of tooth enamel, and can be shaded to match the color of your surrounding teeth. We typically reserve all porcelain for the front-facing teeth, as this is the most natural looking option. Porcelain-fused-to-metal and zirconia can absorb greater bite forces, so we reserve them for the side and rear teeth. If you have any questions about restoring and repairing your smile, then please contact our team today to learn more. We would love to help you start the holidays with a strong, healthy, and yes, beautiful smile!
Do You Have Questions About Restorations?
If you have questions about repairing and restoring your smile, then talk to our team today. For more information on our dental restorations, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
