If you have an extensive cavity in one or more of your teeth, you're not alone. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four U.S. adults has untreated tooth decay. Fortunately, a dental crown from an experienced dentist can help to protect your tooth. Here are a few key benefits you can expect from a crown.

It Can Protect Your Tooth

The number one advantage of a dental crown is that it can protect your tooth from further decay. A crown seals the tooth off from the rest of your mouth, which keeps it away from food particles and the bacteria that eat those particles. When bacteria eat the food remnants on your teeth, they release acids, which result in cavities. By sealing off your tooth, you can prevent further cavities from developing and reduce your risk of infection and dental pain.

It Can Prevent Bone Loss

Not many people are aware that bone loss can occur when they lose a tooth. This is because your teeth stimulate your jaw bone and encourage healthy bone growth when you chew food. When an area of your jaw is no longer stimulated because a tooth in that section is gone, it can result in bone loss.

Jaw bone loss can change the shape of your face because the skin around your face loses support and begins to wrinkle. A crown can prevent a tooth that has experienced severe decay from being lost, which maintains the jaw bone's growth and protects your face shape.

It Can Keep Your Teeth in Place

Another side effect of losing a tooth is that your other teeth will begin to shift to close the new gap that's been created in your gums. This is a problem because larger gaps between your teeth allow food to get stuck and plaque and tartar to form along the sides of your teeth. Although good dental hygiene can help to keep cavities at bay, exposed gums can harbor a harmful amount of bacteria and you may be at greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A cap enables you to keep the tooth you have in place, which prevents the rest of your teeth from shifting and changing your bite.

A crown from an experienced dentists office can be a great way to maintain your smile and your health. If you're looking for professional and compassionate dentists near you, look no further than Newman Dental Associates. Our dentists not only provide crowns but we also offer dental implants in the event that your tooth needs to be removed. Contact us today for more information to see if a dental crown is right for you.