A dental crown is a type of restorative treatment designed to strengthen and preserve damaged teeth to prevent further damage. Crowns are used to treat a variety of dental issues, but they may not be right for every patient. If you’re considering a dental crown, it’s important to know what signs to look for that indicate you could benefit from treatment.
How Do You Know When You Need a Dental Crown?
Some of the primary reasons you may need a dental crown include:
- If you have a tooth that’s severely damaged, If you have a tooth that has a large filling
- If you’re having a root canal done
- If you have a tooth that’s misshapen or discolored
Crowns can help strengthen a damaged tooth and can also be used to fix worn, fractured, or chipped teeth.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Crowns completely encase teeth, restoring and strengthening the dental structure.
A dental crown is basically a cap used to protect the structural integrity of a damaged tooth. A permanent crown can be made out of several different types of materials including porcelain or metal. Crowns used for molars are often made out of metal, while crowns that are placed on teeth in the front of the mouth are often made out of porcelain and can be designed to match a patient’s natural teeth. Below, you’ll find some of the common signs that indicate you may need a dental crown.
You’ve Had a Root Canal Done
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve tissues and inner pulp of a tooth become infected. During a root canal, a dentist will remove the decayed portions of a tooth as well as any infected tissue. The removal of portions of the tooth can leave the structure weakened and vulnerable to damage. A crown can be an effective solution and is used to protect and strengthen the brittle tooth to prevent further damage.
You Have an Advanced Cavity
Cavities are dangerous to oral health. A larger cavity filling can leave a tooth weakened and susceptible to damage because the tooth is no longer as strong as it once was. While a dental filling procedure is necessary to restore the tooth’s health by removing the decay, these large fillings leave the tooth vulnerable. Placing a crown over a tooth with large fillings will preserve oral health and prevent further damage.
You Have a Broken or Fractured Tooth
Tooth pain is an obvious sign that dental treatment is necessary. A broken tooth is not only painful, but the break can allow harmful bacteria to make their way inside the tooth, causing a severe infection. Additionally, a break can negatively affect your self-confidence, if the broken tooth is visible when you smile. Even a minor chip can make a tooth vulnerable to a major break. Some people with broken teeth may experience constant pain, while others will only have pain when chewing or drinking hot or cold beverages. This can deter some people from eating, due to the fear of pain. As you can see, a broken tooth can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
If a broken tooth cannot support a filling and the break is not severe enough to call for an extraction, a dental crown can be a great option and one that can prevent tooth damage in the future.
You Have Misshapen or Stained Teeth
If you have a severely stained or irregular-shaped tooth, your dentist may recommend a crown. A crown can instantly change a tooth’s appearance, shape, and size, restoring your smile while strengthening your teeth. A tooth crown is cemented in place over your existing tooth and can last for several years with proper care.
You Have a Weak Tooth
A dental crown procedure is often recommended if a patient has a tooth that’s weak in function and form and at risk of breaking. Strengthening and improving the tooth’s structure is one of the crown’s primary purposes, the other being that it will provide a barrier that will keep bacteria out. The crown seals the remaining weak tooth completely covering it. If the original tooth was weak and at risk of chips or cracks, the crown will protect it from future damage.
When to Talk to a Dental Professional
If you have a tooth that is chipped, cracked, misshapen, stained, or painful, contact Stuart Curry Dentistry as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to learn more about this restorative procedure. A weak or damaged tooth is at risk of further breakage and infection. With proper care, a crown can last for several years. Seeking dental treatment as soon as possible is the best way to restore both your dental health and your smile. Contact our dental office today to discuss our restorative dental services and find out how we can help you achieve a beautiful, healthier smile.