Swindon dentist saves patients tooth with porcelain crown
Porcelain crowns are very versatile tooth-shaped caps that can be used in the repair of dental trauma and also as a protective barrier following dental surgery. Durable and lifelike, they can also benefit the cosmetic appearance of teeth damaged by discolouration and enamel erosion. When a porcelain crown is fixed it serves to protect the portion of the tooth that is proud of the gum line.
If a tooth has been damaged by a head trauma or sporting injury it may be cracked chipped or broken. Some minor damage may be repaired by dental bonding made from composite resin, but often the structure of the tooth is damaged to the extent that it needs reinforcing. A dental crown is cemented over the surface of the damaged tooth acting as a support and barrier against any further damage. This prevents the need to remove the tooth and preserves many of its natural functions. Porcelain crowns are also used to hold in place dental fillings and repair work carried out during root canal surgery.
Crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons being fitted over badly eroded or worn teeth. Some teeth that are badly discoloured, either due to smoking or hereditary conditions, can also be cosmetically enhanced by porcelain crowns.
New computer-aided methods of design and manufacture make it possible to produce a crown from a single piece of porcelain in as little as six minutes. This has been a huge advancement of the laboratory-produced crowns of the past which often took weeks to manufacture. This has reduced waiting and appointment times for patients. It is now possible to have a crown designed and fitted in only one appointment.
Porcelain crowns are also significantly thinner than they have previously been meaning that far less enamel removal is required for accurate sizing. If you have a cracked or damaged tooth or are looking to enhance the appearance of your worn teeth, ask a Swindon dentist about new porcelain crowns technology.
Tags: enamel erosion, porcelain crowns
