Reasons You Might Need A Dental Crown

Sometimes your teeth need a little help to be strong, healthy and beautiful. Crowns can help with all three of those things. This restorative treatment is available at the Portage, MI office of Dr. Richard Oppenlander. Learn more about dental crowns and explore the various reasons why you might need one.

What Are Dental Crowns?
Modern dental crowns have been used since 1903 when the first porcelain jacket crown was created. Even before then, ancient dentists in Egypt crafted devices out of stone and shells to serve the same purpose as a crown. It is a tooth covering that is custom-crafted to fit over your natural tooth. Your original tooth stays rooted and the outer enamel is strengthened so that you can chew and smile comfortably.

Why Might You Need One?
Crowns are simple solutions for a number of common dental problems. Some people ask for crowns for cosmetic reasons, while others need crowns to preserve their teeth. Here is a short list of reasons why you might need one made by your Portage dentist:

• You’ve just had a root canal and need to restore the tooth enamel.
• One or more of your teeth are intrinsically discolored (stained from the inside layer).
• One tooth is protruding or not fitting into the rest of your smile in some way, and you want to avoid a lengthy orthodontic treatment.
• The enamel is chipped, cracked or eroded.

How Long Is the Procedure for Crowns?
It is possible to get your permanent crown bonded in as little as a few weeks. Expect the process to take two or three appointments. After your dentist prepares the tooth and takes an impression, the crown will be created by a lab technician. You will be called in when the permanent crown is ready to be installed -- a process that takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Many patients keep their crowns for 15 or more years. Good at-home dental care and regular biannual dentist visits are important to preserving your crown for as long as possible.

Call for Crowns
The first step to getting your custom-made crown is to come to the dentist’s office for a consultation. Call Dr. Richard Oppenlander at his Portage, MI office at (269) 327-9332 to schedule an appointment.