Quality dental crowns in Little Elm TX rescue badly damaged teeth; repair cosmetic concerns

A dental crown is often associated with root canal treatment because crowns protect treated teeth, which are more vulnerable after the nerves and blood supply have been removed to resolve deep infections and severe damage; however, as a famously versatile type of restoration, crowns don’t always follow root canal therapy, nor do you need to have decay or disease to be a candidate for this procedure. Whatever your needs, Dental Crowns in Little Elm TX at Frisco Elm Dental are made from high quality materials, designed to your specifications and made to last. The process of getting a crown at our office is also pleasant and comfortable, because Dr. Vidya Suri and her team use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques such as digital imaging and X-rays, and intraoral cameras as safe, gentle, and particularly precise alternatives to traditional X-rays and technologies.

Gain a crown; lose the pain

The decay that produces chips, cracks, holes, shifting, and weakness can be the very reason root canal treatment is needed before the crown is placed. The traumatic event or condition that results in the need for a crown or cap procedure in the first place can also cause the center of the tooth or pulp where the nerve tissue resides to become compromised.

More than half of Americans aged 30 and older also have some form of gum disease. The combination of bacteria, food debris, and acids erode the minerals that make up the protective outer enamel layer and the softer, yellow dentin layer underneath. As your body battles this onslaught of bacteria, a pus-filled pocket or abscess may form. And while a filling can quite literally “fill in” the holes created by destructive acids and harmful bacteria, if the decay is extensive or your teeth become too weak, even the largest fillings may not be an option for you. In fact, a large filling can play a role in your needing a crown. A large filling may not provide sufficient structure to protect the tooth from reinfection or further damage. Likewise, worn restorations or a tooth that has been treated many times is more susceptible to further damage.

If allowed to progress without appropriate treatment, the pulp breaks down. Bacteria multiply within the center of the tooth. The problem won’t go away on its own. The decayed nerve tissue, bacteria, and other debris must be cleaned from the tooth. Before the crown is placed, active infections must be cleared. Medications may be required to resolve the infection.

You may still be a great candidate for a crown if your tooth is:

• Badly broken, to hold it together
• Treated with a large filling, when there isn’t much natural structure left
• Severely misshapen
• Very discolored and doesn’t respond well to bleaching procedures
• Missing! Crowns are a vital part of a bridge and hold the artificial tooth in place (they also cover dental implants as an “implant-retained” bridge or denture)

Basically, crowns can come to the rescue any time the natural, healthy, and beautiful shape, size, strength, and appearance of your teeth must be restored — or to get the smile you never had. Sometimes crowns after root canal treatment are the only way to avoid extractions when the innermost part of the tooth is badly damaged or infected.

A single treatment for many needs

There are some steps that all patients at Frisco Elm Dental who require a crown should expect, regardless of the nature of the condition or concern that brought them to the office:

• Reducing the natural tooth to make room for the crown to sit on top of it
• Shaping the tooth as needed
• Taking an impression of the tooth to be crowned
• Sending the impression to our reputable lab partners
• Wearing a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth
• Waiting for the lab to make your permanent crown
• Returning to the office, usually in around two weeks
• Removing the temporary
• Applying the permanent crown; checking its fit and appearance
• Permanently bonding the crown if all looks good
• Enjoy your new, healthy smile!

Dr. Suri discusses ways to keep your crown looking and functioning as well as the day it was placed. Everyday habits, such as chewing your fingernails or ice cubes, can affect the longevity of your crown. But the No. 1 reason restorations fail is poor oral hygiene. Keep up with great home care and be sure to see us for regular cleanings and check-ups.

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Frisco Elm Dental

Dr. Vidya Suri

A graduate from University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, Dr. Vidya Suri is an established dentist who prioritizes her patients and strives to provide them with the best possible dental care. She brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and skills including her ability to pay close attention to the details to provide her patients with the most optimal outcomes that exceed their expectations.

Dr. Suri treats patients of all ages. In order to ensure that she is doing her best, she regularly participates in continuing education courses to stay abreast of new practices, technology, and advancements in the industry. Dr. Suri is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association.