Whenever you damage one of your teeth, it is important to have it inspected by your dentist in a timely fashion. Any injury that breaks the protective seal of your outer enamel layer could potentially lead to problems with your oral health. This includes minor chips or cracks that you may think only have a cosmetic effect on your appearance. This damage can allow oral bacteria to enter and create cavities that wear away even more of the natural material. Left untreated, you may eventually develop a painful infection. This means that responding to your injury promptly can lead to more conservative treatment than waiting for a root canal or extraction. If the injury is too large to receive a dental filling, we could place a dental crown to repair your tooth. Made from the same composite resin as a filling, this treatment option covers your entire tooth above the gumline to withstand the force of your bite. By designing the shade and shape of your new cap to appear natural, you can restore the beauty of your smile at the same time you repair its functional capabilities.
At your Ankeny, IA dental practice, we stress the importance of addressing physical trauma and tooth decay as soon as we detect them. By identifying the need for dental restorations with routine exams, we can return a healthy smile without worrying about the damage compounding. By learning about your options for repairing your teeth, you can feel confident that your smile will return to strength after experiencing an unfortunate injury.
How Tooth Decay Breaks Down Your Enamel
The loss of your tooth’s protective outer layer is a predictable result of not maintaining your daily oral hygiene routine. When we forget to brush and floss each day, oral bacteria form a plaque with remnants from our snacks and meals. As bacteria feed on sugar and starch, they create an acidic waste product that wears away at the enamel on your tooth. Eventually, this damage permanently creates a hole and can destroy large portions of the tooth. By attending your dental checkups, we hope to discover your decay before it grows large, but when you neglect to visit regularly, you may require repair with a dental crown.
Placing Your Tooth Cap
We will design your crown to mimic the appearance of a natural tooth completely above your gumline. To prepare your tooth for placement, we will remove all decaying material and smooth the surface. We take special care to select a resin shade that matches your smile.
Speak With Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Restoring Your Tooth
A dental crown can repair your tooth after significant trauma, decay, or infection. If you would like to learn more about this procedure, please contact your Ankeny, IA dentist’s office at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
