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At Dr. Ronald F. Jacob, DMD, a crown is a custom-made restoration designed to cover a damaged tooth. A crown restores a tooth’s shape, size, and function. If you’re suffering from a broken tooth, you may need a crown to restore it. If you have a cavity that has reached and weakened the innermost part of your tooth, you may need a crown to protect it from further damage. After a root canal procedure, you can also have a crown placed on a molar. In short, dental crowns are an excellent way to cover any tooth that is damaged, broken, or cracked. If a tooth is severely infected or decayed, it may be necessary to perform a root canal to save the tooth. A dental crown will wrap over the tooth and protect it from further decay after it has been treated and cleaned. This allows the patient to smile naturally and chew appropriately without discomfort. 

The Dental Crown Procedure 

The tooth receiving the crown is first prepared to accommodate the dental crown. This involves removing a small portion of the tooth's outer structure to create space for the crown. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the specific case and the type of crown being placed. After tooth preparation, the dentist takes impressions or digital scans of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. These are used to create a custom-fitted crown that matches your natural teeth' shape, size, and color. While the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. This temporary crown protects the tooth and provides functionality until the permanent crown is ready. Once the permanent crown is ready, you return to the dentist for the final placement. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown's fit, color, and shape are assessed. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a proper fit and bite. 

The Benefits of Dental Crowns 

• A crown can strengthen a tooth broken or worn down by large fillings, providing extra fortification that keeps the tooth intact. 
• If a tooth is cracked or damaged beyond what a filling can fix, a dental crown can provide the necessary reinforcement to keep the tooth in place. 
• Discoloration can occur for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s caused by medication, tooth decay, or wear and tear, a dental crown can cover the tooth to hide discoloration and give you a more beautiful smile. 
• If you have chips, cracks, or fractures on your teeth, they can be repaired with a dental crown, so you don’t have to worry about them worsening over time. 

If you’re ready to restore the appearance and function of your smile with dental crowns, visit Dr. Ronald F. Jacob, DMD, at 17 Old King's Road N, Palm Coast, FL 32137, or call (386) 445-6111 to schedule an appointment.