Damaged teeth are particularly fragile. If you don't take steps to protect them, they may eventually crack or fracture. South Pasadena, CA, dentists Dr. John Chu and Dr. Mary Lin explain how you can avoid these consequences with dental crowns.

The problem

Damage to teeth doesn't have to be extensive or noticeable to put your teeth at risk. Even a small crack at the back of a tooth can increase the risk that it will break. Cracks weaken the structural integrity of your teeth. When you continue to use the tooth to bite and chew, the crack will grow. Eventually, a piece of your tooth will break off, or the tooth may even split in half. Whether your tooth is at risk of fracturing due to a crack or has already fractured or chipped, it's important to stabilize and restore it.

Crowns offer an excellent solution

Crowns not only improve the appearance of damaged teeth but also strengthen and support them. The tooth-shaped restorations are hollow inside and designed to slip over your damaged teeth. Before you can receive a crown, your tooth must be prepared to ensure that the crown can slide over it easily. Once your crown is cemented in place, it will protect your tooth by absorbing the strong forces you generate when you chew.

Porcelain, ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are very durable and tough enough to withstand years of wear and tear. In most cases, your new crown will last 10 years or longer before it must be replaced.

After your tooth has been prepared, we'll make an impression of your teeth in our South Pasadena office. The impression will be used to create a new crown that looks and feels perfectly natural. You'll probably leave the office with a temporary crown, then return in about two weeks to receive your permanent crown.

Crowns offer an excellent way to restore damaged teeth and improve their appearance. If you can benefit from a crown, call South Pasadena, CA, dentists Drs. John Chu and Mary Lin at (626) 799-0852 to schedule an appointment.