Not so long ago, if you had a tooth that was infected or badly damaged, the go-to treatment would have likely been an extraction. This not only eliminated the source of pain, but it also prevented the problem from spreading to nearby teeth. Unfortunately, however, because permanent teeth don’t grow back, removal created gaps in the smile, made it difficult to chew, and even caused speech articulation issues. Worse yet, missing permanent teeth often resulted in jawbone deterioration which causes the remaining healthy teeth to move out of their proper alignment and in some cases come loose and fall out, too. Thankfully, dental crowns were invented to help prevent these issues. Here’s a closer look at the history of these incredible restorations, and how they can help safeguard your smile without the need for extractions!
Ancient Beginnings
While there is no consensus on this information, it is believed that the first iterations of dental crowns were used as early as 200 AD by the Etruscans, who lived in the Tuscan region of Italy at the time. These primitive restorations were made of materials like gold, ivory, bone, and oddly (but fittingly) enough, human teeth. These materials were used right up until the 19th century, when porcelain and ceramic crowns became commonplace in dental practices around the world.
The 20th Century
In 1905, a man by the name of Charles H. Land patented a ceramic restoration called a “jacket crown” which fit over the tooth like a coat. While it was a much better style than those used previously, it wasn’t very durable and would frequently crack.
By the late 1900s, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) were invented, improving the strength of the restorations while still maintaining their natural-looking appearance. Finally, in 1984, the first crown made of glass and ceramics was developed and is still widely used today over 40 years later!
The Many Modern Benefits of Dental Crowns
In addition to protecting the underlying tooth from damage, decay, and infection, today’s durable, lifelike dental crowns prevent the need for extraction, so you can avoid the common side effects of missing permanent teeth including tooth drift, speech problems, difficulties chewing, jawbone deterioration, and self-esteem issues. These restorations not only look and feel like real teeth, but they are also fully functional, so you won’t have to stop enjoying your favorite foods or avoid chewing on one side of your mouth.
To learn more about dental crowns and see if you’re a good candidate for treatment, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
About Dr. Hsia
Dr. Chung Chien Hsia first earned his degree in electrical engineering at the University of Central Florida but then changed course to obtain his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Hsia took additional courses to become certified in nitrous oxide sedation and has also taken a prestigious maxicourse through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry to provide dental implant treatment. If you have a tooth that needs rescue with the help of a durable, lifelike dental crown, schedule a consultation at Jupiter Family Dental of Richardson by visiting our website or calling us at 214-432-1133.
