A porcelain crown can restore good health and strength to your teeth, giving you the confidence to smile and eat freely again. It’s one of the most common cosmetic treatments offered at dentist's offices across the country. In advance of your next appointment at Murphy Dental Group PLLC in Milton, MA, educate yourself about porcelain crowns and how they can improve your smile.The "Anatomy" of a Tooth
To understand how a crown helps a tooth, it's helpful to first understand the anatomy of a tooth. There are four main layers or parts: the enamel, dentin, pulp and root. The root is the part of the tooth that keeps it firmly embedded in your jawbone. As long as the root is healthy and strong, you can add a porcelain crown to the tooth that will effectively replace the enamel. In some cases, a root canal by your Milton dentist may be necessary to thoroughly clean the pulp and fill it with a plastic material called gutta-percha before a crown is placed.
The Structure of a Porcelain Crown
When you think of a crown, you probably think of something that’s designed to fit over another object (like a hat on your head). A dental crown is a piece of hard, white porcelain material that is shaped so that it will fit snugly over a re-shaped, rooted tooth. When bonded, the crown covers the entire area that is visible above the gum line.
How Crowns Help Improve Your Smile
A porcelain crown betters your smile in two ways. For one, it strengthens the outer surface of your tooth, so that you can chew and talk normally. Second, the porcelain material can be created to mimic your natural tooth color, size and shape, so the crown fits in perfectly with the surrounding teeth. It is extremely durable and normally lasts for decades before a replacement is needed. Some people maintain their crowns for as long as 25 years.
Get Crowned at Murphy Dental Group
If you're convinced that a crown is what you need to restore your smile, call (617) 696-3900 today to schedule a visit with our qualified Milton dentists. Dr. John M. Murphy and Dr. Patrick J. Murphy at Murphy Dental Group are accredited members of the American Dental Association and Massachusetts Dental Society who are committed to helping patients with quality dental care.