A dental crown is a porcelain restoration used to cap a damaged, misshapen or deeply decayed tooth. At the office of Dr. Raymond Della Porta and Dr. Scott Elliott in Vero Beach, FL, the professional team uses crowns to complete and strengthen smiles and to improve cosmetics as well. Could a crown help you?

The uses of dental crowns

Today's dental crowns are more versatile than in the past. While many crowns cover, support and protect structurally weak teeth, others have more strictly cosmetic applications, including covering a deeply stained tooth, regularizing the shape and size of a malformed tooth (such as a peg-shaped incisor) or filling small gaps between teeth.

Additionally, these custom-made ceramic restorations are the final step in root canal therapy. This procedure removes inflamed interior pulp and seals and caps the tooth for many years of further use.

As part of tooth replacement procedures, crowns complete dental implants. And, if your prosthetic option is fixed bridgework, crowns anchor pontic, or artificial, teeth to natural teeth on opposite sides of a smile gap. MedicineNet reports that crowns, in conjunction with a permanent splint, can strengthen teeth loosened by injury or periodontal disease.

Evaluation for and placement of your crown

In their Vero Beach, FL, office, Dr. Raymond Della Porta and Dr. Scott Elliott offer dental crowns to many of their patients. The evaluation process involves visual inspection of your tooth, smile gap or other restorative need. Likely, you'll need X-ray evaluation, and if a crown is your best choice, oral impressions to form a negative imprint of the tooth. This negative imprint, along with your dentist's instructions, helps the dental lab craft your crown with proper color, shape and size.

Also, your dentist will shape your tooth to accept the crown for best fit and bite with the opposing arch of teeth. You may need to wear a transitional crown while the lab makes your permanent restoration. When it's ready, your dentist will remove this temporary cap and cement or bond your permanent crown onto your tooth.

Caring for a dental crown

It's not difficult but does take daily attention. So, brush all your teeth, including your crown, with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day. Floss once a day to remove food particles lodged between your teeth, at the gum line and at crown margins. These practices keep your smile healthy in between semi-annual cleanings and check-ups at the dental office.

Plus, be as gentle as possible with your crown and all your teeth. Avoid hard dietary choices, such as peanut brittle, and do not open bottles or packages with your teeth as you could loosen or crack your crown. In all, your crown can last a decade or longer.

Let us help your smile

A dental crown could be just what you need. For more information, why not call our Vero Beach, FL, office for a consultation with Dr. Raymond Della Porta or Dr. Scott Elliott? We look forward to serving you. Phone (772) 567-1025.