Whether by tooth decay or bruxism (teeth grinding), teeth can grow weaker, putting them at risk of cracking or breaking. When teeth suffer this kind of trauma, it is important that they receive dental attention immediately. If you suffer a cracked or broken tooth, visit your Ankeny IA dentist, Dr. Amanda Foust, immediately. Dr. Foust can repair your tooth by fitting it with a dental crown. Quick intervention is important because structural damage provides bacteria access to vulnerable areas of the tooth. These bacteria can infect the tooth’s pulp, necessitating root canal treatment, or if the infection is ignored, an extraction.
Types of Dental Crowns
Depending upon the location of your damaged tooth, your Ankeny IA dentist, Dr. Foust, may recommend one of three types of crowns. For teeth in the back of the mouth, Dr. Foust will likely choose either a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown or an all-metal crown. Both of these crowns stand apart for their strength, making them a great choice for restorations toward the back of the mouth, where bite force is greater. For a damaged tooth in the front of the mouth, however, Dr. Foust will likely recommend a ceramic crown. Known for offering the best cosmetic results, ceramic crowns are often recommended for teeth that are in highly visible locations. Ceramic crowns set themselves apart from PFM and all-metal crowns by closely replicating the partially translucent quality of natural teeth. This quality results in a realistic sheen that makes it very difficult to distinguish a ceramic crown from a living tooth.
Dental Crowns in Ankeny IA
If you choose to receive a dental crown from your Ankeny IA dentist, Dr. Foust, your restoration will likely take only two dental visits. During the first visit, Dr. Foust will examine the damaged tooth to determine the type of crown that best suits your needs. Next, she will remove the decay from the tooth and take molds of your tooth, from which an off-site ceramist will create your custom dental crown. After the molds are complete, Dr. Foust will clean the tooth and place a temporary crown for you to wear until your permanent crown arrives at our dental office. Then, in a follow-up visit, Dr. Foust will place your permanent crown.
About Dr. Amanda Foust: Dr. Amanda Foust is a graduate of the University of Iowa School of Dentistry. She opened Dental Impressions of Ankeny in 2006 and has since strived to bring quality dental care to area families. Patients can schedule an appointment with Dr. Foust by calling (515) 965-0230.
