Dental crowns are one of the most important tools a dentist has. They’re versatile, durable, and can treat a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative conditions. If you have a damaged, discolored, or weakened tooth, a crown may be the solution you need.
At Design Dental in North Liberty, IA, Dr. S. Jeremy Tu and Dr. Trish Schminke use dental crowns to help patients restore their smiles. If you are searching for dental crowns Cedar Rapids, IA patients trust, we are here to help. Here is a closer look at the uses of dental crowns and how they can benefit you.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over your entire tooth. It covers the visible part of your tooth above the gum line. Crowns are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. They are typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal.
Dental crowns protect, strengthen, and restore the function of damaged teeth. They can also improve the appearance of your smile. Whether you have a cracked tooth, a large cavity, or a discolored tooth, a crown can often provide a lasting solution.
What Can Dental Crowns Do For You?
Tooth crowns are a restorative treatment, but they also treat many cosmetic issues.
Stabilize a Tooth After a Root Canal
One of the most common uses of dental crowns is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. A root canal procedure removes infected dental pulp from inside your tooth. Though the hollow area left after the procedure is filled with a biocompatible material, the tooth may not be fully stable.
A dental crown ensures that you get the full functionality of your tooth back. It also helps to seal it off from further infection. Without a crown, a tooth that has had a root canal is more likely to crack or break. The crown provides the strength and protection it needs to last for years.
Cover a Misshapen or Discolored Tooth
A misshapen or discolored tooth can make you want to hide your smile. Depending on the defect and where the tooth is located, you may also have issues biting, chewing, or speaking. A dental crown completely covers the tooth with the defect. It is designed to blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile and gives you back full functionality.
Some types of tooth discolorations can’t be treated with traditional teeth-whitening methods. A dead tooth, or one stained by genetics, may require other methods. A dental crown can be customized to match the rest of your smile. It covers the entire tooth to ensure full coverage.
Treating a Cracked or Broken Tooth
At Design Dental, we aim to offer the most conservative treatment options possible. We want to make sure you keep as much of your natural teeth as possible. If you have a large tooth chip or cracked tooth, it may splinter into pieces and leave the inside vulnerable to infection. A dental crown is able to keep the pieces of the tooth together while still preserving the natural tooth structure.
A broken tooth can expose dental nerves, which causes pain when anything comes into contact with it. A dental crown can cover this sensitive area and replace the portion of the tooth that has been broken off. This gives you back the look of the full tooth, as well as the functionality.
The Final Restoration of Dental Implants
Cedar Rapids dental implants are often seen as the gold standard for tooth replacement. Implants provide the most natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement, especially when paired with a dental crown as the final restoration. A dental crown is customized to match the look and feel of your other teeth. With a dental implant, you have a sturdy solution that allows you 100% bite function.
If you are missing a single tooth, an implant with a crown is often the best option. The crown fits securely on top of the implant, giving you a natural-looking and long-lasting replacement tooth.
Protecting a Weak Tooth
Another important use of dental crowns is protecting a weak tooth. If a tooth has a large dental filling or is worn down from grinding, it may be at risk of fracturing. A crown can hold the tooth together and prevent it from breaking. This is especially important for back teeth that take the force of chewing.
Improving the Appearance of Your Smile
Cosmetic crowns are a great option for patients who want to improve the appearance of their smile. If you have teeth that are severely stained, misshapen, or worn down, crowns can provide a complete transformation. They can be made to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth, giving you a seamless, natural-looking smile.
The Durability of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are designed to last. With proper care, they can last 10 to 15 years or more. They are made from strong materials that can withstand the forces of chewing and biting. Porcelain crowns are particularly popular because they look natural and are highly durable.
Why Choose Design Dental?
Dr. S. Jeremy Tu has a unique background. He was born and raised in Taiwan and earned a B.S. in Forestry before moving to the U.S. He earned a master’s degree in Operative Dentistry from the University of Iowa. Today, he’s a Dawson Academy Scholar and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Trish Schminke worked as a dental assistant and then as a registered dental hygienist at Design Dental for 14 years before attending dental school. She earned her DDS from the University of Iowa and is also furthering her education at the Dawson Academy. She is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
Together, they bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to continuing education. They treat every patient with compassion and provide personalized care.
Ask Us About Dental Crown Treatment in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
If you have a damaged, discolored, or weakened tooth, a dental crown could be the solution you need. Dr. Tu and Dr. Schminke can evaluate your situation and recommend the best treatment option for you.
Call Design Dental today at (319) 626-4706. You can also visit us in North Liberty, IA, serving Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas. Schedule an appointment and take the first step toward restoring your smile.