With the number of issues that can affect the health and appearance of your teeth, dental crowns are an invaluable restoration for many patients with afflicted smiles. As one of the oldest forms of restorative dentistry, a dental crown is a lifelike replica of a tooth’s top portion, or crown, and can be placed over the tooth to conceal its blemishes and improve its function. Livonia dentist , Dr. James Stewart, often utilizes dental crowns for a wide variety of purposes, from cosmetic improvements to saving damaged teeth from destruction or the need for extraction.
Purpose of Dental Crowns
Also known as a cap, a dental crown’s main focus is to take over the duties of a natural tooth that is too compromised to function normally. If your tooth is cracked or fractured, or if it’s been treated for invasive decay (cavities), then the tooth won’t heal itself like other parts of your body (i.e., skin and bones). A dental crown placed over the tooth will help hold the tooth together, as well as absorb the pressures of biting and chewing to prevent more extensive dental damage. Teeth that are severely stained or oddly shaped can also be improved with a dental crown, depending on the nature and severity of the issue.
What’s a Partial Dental Crown?
Sometimes, your tooth may be too afflicted for a dental filling to suffice, but not damaged enough to require a dental crown. Rather than waiting until the tooth gets worse to justify placing a crown, Dr. Stewart might recommend an inlay or onlay. Commonly known as partial crowns, or ¾ crowns, inlays and onlays describe a restoration that’s placed on the chewing surface of your tooth. An inlay covers the area between the cusps of your tooth’s biting surface, while an onlay extends that coverage to include the cusps or the entire chewing surface. Partial dental crowns allow Dr. Stewart to effectively restore your tooth while still allowing your healthy tooth structure to remain intact.
About Dr. James Stewart:
Our philosophy is that excellent dental begins with developing a relationship with the patient. James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.