Teeth are the only visible part of the human skeleton, and this exposure makes them susceptible to damage and decay from various factors. Sugar, a staple in the Western diet, plagues Americans’ dental health. This addictive ingredient is commonly added to food and beverages, and even refined carbohydrates like white bread break down into sugars. Though saliva contains remineralizing agents like fluoride, food and beverage particles that get stuck in between the teeth, between the teeth and gums, and in the surface grooves of the crowns can lead to the development of dental cavities.
Cavities occur in the mouth after plaque forms on the teeth. Plaque, a sticky, bacteria-laced biofilm, eats away at the outer layer of the teeth, or the enamel, which eventually causes a hole in the tooth. In some cases, cavities are so extensive that they erode the enamel and the underlying dentin. Cavities are permanent and must be repaired by dental fillings to ensure good oral health. Dr. Andy Gaertner is a dentist in the Miami, FL area specializing in modern tooth restoration techniques, including tooth fillings, to improve his patients’ dental health.
We always recommend what is best for your teeth, whether that is dental crowns or a filling or even a dental implant. Thus, it is important that you understand why one may need a crown and what purpose the crown itself serves.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are commonly referred to as dental caps since they cover an entire area of the tooth or the entire tooth. Customized to specification in a laboratory, the dental crown performs a variety of functions that are very important. Two of these functions include preventing infection and support for damaged teeth. The dental crown works to prevent an infection by covering the teeth that have a great deal of decay. We are always working to prevent bacteria from spreading, which means it is often wiser to get a dental crown after removing the infection.
Upon placement, the dental crown immediately provides support for damaged teeth. The extra support helps to preserve the functionality of the teeth themselves. It also prevents further damage from occurring or from forcing the mouth to adapt to a damaged tooth, which can lead to misalignments or a bite that is not quite aligned.
Dental Crown or Dental Filling
The question then arises, when does a patient actually need a dental crown and when can they get by with just a filling? Ultimately the choice to get a crown belongs to the patient. We will give the patient the necessary information and advice to help them make an educated decision. Patients need to keep in mind that protecting their teeth, and keeping them in the best condition, is a better health choice all around. Crowns are necessary after a Root Canal Procedure to protect the integrity of the tooth. Root canal teeth become brittle and weak because the nerve is no longer viable and there is no blood supply to that tooth.
Why Choose Dr. Gaertner of Bliss Dental
As the son of a dentist, Dr. Gaertner’s passion for dentistry began at an early age. Following high school, Dr. Gaertner attended Nova Southeastern University in Florida where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, then graduated with his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (D.M.D) degree. Dr. Gaertner has practiced dentistry in both the United States and his home country of Belgium and now calls the Miami area home.
He practices a variety of dentistry, including Cosmetic Dentistry, Smile Makeovers, Dental Crowns, Porcelain Veneers, Root Canal Treatments, Invisalign, and so on. Dr. Gaertner has also integrated the use of Dental Lasers and Botox injections into his practice.
Bliss Dental is a full-service facility, offering top-notch patient care and providing services that range from routine dental care to endodontics to cosmetic and restorative dentistry services that enhance patients’ smiles.
If you live in Kendall, Florida call 305-274-6500 and schedule your appointment to experience why patients trust Bliss Dental with all of their restoration needs.
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- Mario Perez
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015
