Dentist in Las Vegas, NV saves natural teeth with dental crowns and caps

Today we can replicate almost anything. Think about that for a moment, though. Is the copy ever quite as good as the original? A photocopy of a photograph? A print of a fine art painting? A home recipe for the Colonel’s original chicken? Modern dentistry is no different. That’s one of the reasons Dr. Christopher Lim and his team at Hillside Dental want to help patients in the Las Vegas, NV area keep as many of their natural teeth as possible, for as long as possible. Dental crowns and caps play an important role in that mission.

Anatomy of a healthy tooth

From the inside out, a tooth is comprised of:

• Nerve and blood vessels that reside in a pulp chamber inside the root.
• The root is the portion of the tooth below the gum line.
• The root is made of hard, yellowish dentin, covered with a layer of bonelike cementum.
• Dentin extends above the gum line, forming the foundation for the crown.
• The crown is covered with a strong layer of white enamel.

What happens when a tooth is damaged

A tooth may be damaged by decay or trauma – a chip, fracture, or breakage. If the impairment is minor, Dr. Lim will restore it with tooth colored bonding material or a natural colored filling. However, more significant decay or trauma compromises the structural strength of the tooth, increasing risk of further damage, discomfort, and expense.

Untreated, a large cavity, deep crack, or break allows bacteria to infiltrate the pulp. This infection builds pressure which irritates the nerve, resulting in acute pain and sometimes swelling. Root canal therapy is necessary to alleviate the discomfort, remove the nerve, and sterilize and seal the pulp chamber. That leaves the shell of a tooth that is essentially dead and more brittle than living tooth structure.

How dental crowns and caps save teeth

Crown and cap are interchangeable terms for a dental restoration that covers the visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. Dr. Lim provides the design specification for crowns that are precisely crafted in a professional dental lab of high quality ceramic materials.

A crown is cemented into place to provide strength and protect a weakened tooth. It looks completely natural, and restores the patient’s ability to bite and chew, speak clearly, and smile beautifully. It feels natural in the dentition, as well, because the majority of the original tooth remains.

Dental crowns, alone or as part of endodontic procedures, are just one of the aesthetic restorative options offered by Dr. Lim. Call Hillside Dental today at 702-666-8584 to learn more.