Restorative dentistry is a very helpful tool in rejuvenating your smile and restoring it to full functionality.

Broken or damaged teeth are a concern for many reasons. When a tooth is damaged is is susceptible to further breaking, being lost, and infection. At his Waco, Texas dental office, Dr. Corbet Locke offers several restorative dental procedures to his patients looking to repair broken or damaged teeth and renew their quality of life.

What are dental crowns?

Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of high-quality porcelain or tooth-colored resin, which are placed on top of a tooth. Among the most common restorative dental procedures, dental crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance, sometimes following a restorative dental procedure like a root canal.

A few common questions about dental crowns that Dr. Locke hears from his patients include:

  • I’ve heard that a crown looks bulky. Is this true? A crown designed to precisely fit with your surrounding tooth structure will not look bulky. Dr. Locke will sculpt your restoration to blend with your surrounding teeth and ensure seamless results.
  • Can white crowns be used to restore back teeth? Yes. To preserve an all-white smile, Dr. Locke often recommends porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) or all zirconia/ceramic crowns for back teeth. These crowns offer strength and durability, while keeping the integrity of a bright, white smile intact.
  • How long will a crown last? The longevity of your crown depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene. Just like with normal teeth, it is easy for bacteria and plaque to accumulate around the base of the crowned tooth, so thorough brushing and flossing are essential. Patients who visit the dentist regularly and practice quality at-home dental hygiene can expect their restoration to last long term.

If you have damaged, discolored, or missing teeth, call Dr. Locke’s central Texas dental office at (254) 776-4888 to reserve an appointment. At your consultation appointment, Dr. Locke will work with you to decide which restorative dentistry procedure can restore full functionality and esthetics to your smile.