When your White Bear Lake, MN, dentist says a decayed or fractured tooth can be restored, believe him. Dr. Dan Isaacson and Dr. Mike Weisbrod at Isaacson Gentle Dentistry often recommend dental crowns to support, protect, and beautify failing teeth. These lifelike, tooth-shaped restorations add years of life to teeth which otherwise would be extracted.

Your dental crown treatment

It begins with a complete oral examination and X-rays with your dentist. Teeth which qualify for all-porcelain crowns (or caps as they sometimes are called), often have damage due to:

• Fracture from a blow to the mouth
• Deep decay
• A dental abscess, or infection
• Multiple fillings
• Poor congenital shape (a peg-shaped incisor, for instance)
• Bruxism, or habitual teeth clenching and grinding
• Deep discoloration from excessive fluoride exposure, pharmaceutical staining, or oral injury

Dr. Isaacson or Dr. Weisbrod place crowns when they determine sufficient healthy tooth structure remains above and below the gum line. If the interior pulp is inflamed or damaged, they may perform root canal therapy before protecting the tooth with a porcelain crown.

And yes, today's most popular and durable crown material is porcelain. After your dentist in White Bear Lake reshapes your tooth and takes oral impressions, the dental lab fashions your crown from ceramic that is realistic in appearance, color, and function. Once bonded in place with a permanent adhesive, the crown is strong and long-lasting, too.

Other uses for crowns

Conventional fixed bridgework consists of one or more artificial teeth in a row. These pontics are supported by dental crowns affixed to neighboring teeth on opposite sides of the appliance. Also, Dr. Isaacson and Dr. Weisbrod use porcelain crowns to restore, or finish single-tooth dental implants.

Caring for crowns

The American College of Prosthodontists says that diligent at-home and in-office care of crowns and other restorations prolongs their usefulness and the lifespan of the teeth themselves. So be sure to brush twice a day, and floss daily, too. See the professional team at Isaacson Gentle Dentistry every six months for a thorough cleaning and oral exam during which your dentist will check the condition of your crowns and any other restorative work you have in place.

The vast majority of dental crowns, whether placed on back or front teeth, last ten years and beyond. So consider dental crowns as a great investment in your oral health, smile function and personal appearance.

Find out more

When you come to Isaacson Gentle Dentistry in White Bear Lake, MN, for your new dental crown, your dentist will explain the process to you start to finish. Expect a comfortable treatment and a beautifully renewed smile. Call today for your appointment: (651) 762-7677.