Restore Your Smile With Dental Crowns

Find out if a porcelain crown is what you need to revive a damaged tooth.

Accidents happen, even to your smile! When problems arise such as a broken or damaged tooth, it’s important that you act fast and turn to our River Forest, IL, dentists Dr. Gina Piccioni and Dr. John Hartmann for immediate care. There are many reasons a dentist may recommend a dental crown. It’s one of the most commonly placed dental restorations. A crown can improve the health, strength, and longevity of your smile.

What is a dental crown?

In order to understand what a dental crown does it’s important to know what it is, first. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is custom-made by our River Forest, IL, general dentist to look like the natural crown of a tooth.

This dental cap is hollow, which allows it to fit over and cover the remaining structure of a tooth. The crowns that we place here in our practice are made from porcelain, which ensures that they mimic the look of real tooth enamel.

What is the purpose of a dental crown?

A crown serves many purposes. Some of these purposes include:

• To protect a tooth that is decayed, cracked, broken, or injured by direct trauma
• To restore and preserve what’s left of a healthy natural tooth structure
• To strengthen a tooth after injury or damage to restore chewing and biting
• To protect a tooth after a root canal
• To hide stains and discolorations
• To improve the shape and size of a tooth
• To replace a large filling to better support the tooth’s structure
• To stabilize and hold a dental bridge into place
• To cover a dental implant

How do you care for a dental crown?

Once you get your dental crown, you want to do your part to ensure that it lasts. A crown can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, and there are ways to improve the longevity of your dental restoration. Here are some ways to care for your crown:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss daily
• Rinse several times a day with an antimicrobial mouthwash
• Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugars and starches
• Quit or avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups
• Treat teeth grinding and jaw clenching to protect your crown and teeth from wear

Our River Forest, IL, family dentists want to make sure that you get the restorative dentistry you need to turn that smile around and improve your oral health. If you are dealing with a damaged tooth, call River Forest Dental Studio right away at (708) 366-6760.