
Feb
You can turn over a new leaf regarding your dental health! One way that New Leaf Dental accomplishes this is with a highly versatile “staple” of dental offices near us in Meridian, Idaho, and much farther afield: the humble dental crown. It may be a run-of-the-mill procedure, but we take a sophisticated approach to these common dental restorations that won’t break the bank!
Dental crowns are largely made from aesthetic and highly durable materials. They are designed to fit over the tooth, like a thimble might fit over your finger or a cap might fit over your head. The nickname for crowns is “caps.” This new, artificial tooth structure largely replaces portions of the natural dental crown, which is the white-colored part that hugs the gumline and is visible when you smile or open your mouth.
Any time the natural crown is weakened or damaged, a restored crown may be in your future. There are numerous ways this covering and structure of your tooth can become damaged, ranging from chronic tooth decay to cracks and fractures. Additionally, crowns play a vital role in “saving” those root canal-treated teeth that have sustained inflammation or infection to the pulp tissues inside the tooth.
Teeth treated with root canal therapy may be vulnerable to further damage. To strengthen the treated tooth, we recommend prompt placement of the permanent dental crown. Failure to get a crown promptly can fail the root canal treatment as a whole. The tooth may not heal properly and, at this stage, may be lost. If a tooth is extracted, we would then need to discuss options to replace it—which also happen to use dental crowns!
Dental crowns may be secured to the neighboring teeth closest to the gap. These crowned teeth then function as “anchors” to support the artificial tooth. This form of tooth replacement is known as a conventional dental bridge. Bridges can also be used to replace more than one tooth. For instance, we may fuse two artificial teeth (or pontics) with the crowns. Then, this four-unit dental bridge is secured to the anchor teeth. Voila! Your gaps are filled. Bridges may also be anchored in the mouth by dental implants. A single implant can even be used to stabilize one dental crown. The crown then functions as a replacement tooth. Since it is held in place by a prosthetic tooth root – the implant secured in the jawbone – the crown is not going anywhere and looks and feels like a natural tooth.
We have invested in top-notch diagnostics. Cone beam CT scanners and other forms of imaging are used to support accurate treatment planning, which generally results in the best possible results and outcomes from treatment. Our dentists, Drs Nathan Williams and Adam Dixon, also use the highest-quality materials and do not cut corners regarding products, technologies, and techniques. But, with that being said, such stellar treatment does not have to cost a fortune.
We look forward to working with you to make your smile goals a reality, without breaking the bank. Call our office in Meridian, ID today at (208) 896-2284 to learn more.
Dr. Nathan Williams is a dedicated dentist who has been serving the Boise Valley since 2006. A Boise State University and Indiana University School of Dentistry graduate, Dr. Williams is passionate about combining art and science to enhance his patients’ health and confidence. Known for his patient-centered approach, he prioritizes personalized care and strives to make each visit comfortable. His commitment to listening to patients and creating beautiful, healthy smiles has earned him a reputation for trustworthiness and excellence in his field.
Dr. Adam Dixon is a dedicated dentist with a strong background in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics. A Boise native, Dr. Dixon earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from BYU-Idaho before completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Iowa-College of Dentistry. He was recognized with the Brasseler USA Scholars and Dr. Dan Steele Memorial Awards for excellence in dental care. Passionate about custom treatment plans, Dr. Dixon is committed to creating a welcoming environment for patients and ensuring patients receive the highest standard of dental care.