When you go to a dentist, you may hear one say that you need a dental crown in North Seattle. Others may call it a dental cap. Crown is the more common term, though.

Is there a difference between the two? There isn’t. The two terms mean the same thing, and here’s all you need to know about dental crowns/caps.

A Dental Crown Is a Tooth-Shaped Cap

A dental crown in North Seattle is also called a dental cap because that’s what it looks like. It’s like a hat over the top of your regular tooth, and it is shaped like a regular tooth. It makes sense that it would also be called a dental cap, then.

The crown is used to help strengthen the regular tooth. It helps to protect from further damage, and it can even help to improve the appearance of the tooth. You can have just one crown or multiple crowns depending on your needs.

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

There are a few reasons a dentist will recommend that you get a dental crown in North Seattle. The main one is when you have a weaker tooth. This could be due to the tooth breaking down because of too much decay, a crack forming from decay or trauma, or due to the need of a root canal, which weakens the tooth.

Another reason is due to offering support when the tooth has a large filling and there isn’t that much tooth left. One can also be used to help keep a dental bridge in place. You may also find that your dentist suggests to cover up a dental implant with a crown.

Then there are cosmetic reasons to get the crown. If you don’t like the look of your teeth, you may decide to improve the appearance with a crown. The material may remain whiter for longer.

Are Crowns Only for Adults?

You’ll usually hear that a dental crown in North Seattle is for adults. That doesn’t necessarily need to be the case. There are times that a dentist will recommend a crown for the primary teeth. This is usually when the teeth aren’t ready to be removed, often due to decay in the molars.

Some children have difficulty with oral hygiene on a daily basis. This could be common in neurodiverse children. Rather than tell the child off or make the parent feel bad, it’s often better to take a proactive step to protect the teeth until a child can do the daily routine.

If you have a child who struggles with regular checkups, a dentist may suggest crowns. This helps to reduce the need for anesthetic to keep a child calm in the chair. Stainless steel crowns are usually recommended for children.

A dental crown in North Seattle can also be called a dental cap. Crowns perform important work to protect the overall health of your mouth and the strength of your teeth. They can also be good for cosmetic reasons.