What are the signs that you need a dental crown?

1. Fractured or broken tooth
2. Tooth that has a large filling
3. Severe tooth decay
4. Root canal treatment
5. Dental implants
6. Excessive wear and tear
7. Undesirable appearance

A dental crown is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. It is a cap that is made to cover a damaged tooth. It can be made from porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, composite resin, metal, or a combination of different materials. The lifespan of a crown can range from five to 15 years, depending on the material of the crown and how you take care of it. There are various reasons why your dentist might recommend this restoration method to you. If you’re interested, here are some signs that you need a dental crown. Keep on reading to learn more!

Fractured Or Broken Tooth

When a tooth is broken, it’s more vulnerable to infection and decay. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria can easily form in and around the fractured area, which increases the potential for further damage.

If the tooth can’t be fixed through other methods — such as fillings or veneers, capping it with a crown is the best solution to restore the tooth. It will encase the damaged tooth from the top to the bottom, and sit flush to the gum line. The crown will keep the damaged tooth together and hold it in place.

Tooth That Has A Large Filling

A filling is used to restore damaged teeth. It fills the area that is removed due to decay or cavity. Over time, fillings need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear or when decay develops. But when the replacement filing needed is large, there may not be enough tooth structure to support it. Large fillings tend to cause the tooth to crack.

When this happens, your dentist will recommend replacing the filling with a dental crown. Just like with a broken tooth, the dental crown will protect and strengthen the remaining tooth structure. A dental crown can provide full tooth protection, compared to a filling.

Severe Tooth Decay

Cavities, or the damaged areas on the hard surface of your teeth, can develop into tiny openings and holes. Tooth decay happens over time, and it often happens because of inadequate brushing.

If this isn’t treated, it can get so severe that the holes can get larger. In this case, there wouldn’t be enough strong teeth available to have a filling. This is where a dental crown will be recommended. The crown can not just strengthen the tooth, but it can also protect the tooth from further decay.

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is a restorative dental procedure that involves removing the soft center of the tooth — or the pulp. This is done when the pulp is inflamed or infected. The procedure will require the dentist to drill into the middle of the tooth. Although this is necessary for the procedure, this can weaken the structure of the tooth, making it more vulnerable to fracture.

Often, a filling will be done afterward but most of the time, the specialist recommends for a crown to be the final restoration. This is a good option if the tooth decay was too extensive to safely repair the tooth with just a filling.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a metal post or frame that is surgically placed into the jawbone. Once in place, your dentist can use the implant to mount replacement teeth. Crowns will be used to fill up the spaces from missing teeth. Because the implants are integrated into the jawbone, the crowns are more stable. It also feels like growing a real tooth.

Excessive Wear And Tear

Sometimes, teeth can become worn down due to acid reflux, teeth grinding, bulimia, or having a high acidic diet. For instance, teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition wherein you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth. This can be unconsciously done while awake or during sleep. This can result in teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose. Grinding can also wear down the tooth enamel, exposing the deeper layers of the tooth and also increasing sensitivity.

In severe cases when the wear has led to sensitivity or difficulty chewing, your dentist can use crowns to repair the damage.

Undesirable Appearance

Teeth stains are caused by frequent consumption of coffee, tea, and cigarettes. Improper care for your teeth is also a factor in having discolored teeth. Fortunately, dental crowns can be used to improve the appearance of the teeth, since it’s a cap that will cover the whole tooth.

Dental crowns are also suitable for eliminating the appearance of gaps between teeth. Other than that, it can also be used to improve the shape of small teeth.

Key Takeaway

There are several signs that you need a dental crown. Whether you have cracked teeth, need an alternative to a filling, have severe tooth decay, just had a dental implant, or want to improve the appearance of your teeth, a dental crown is a suitable solution for these problems. Since it is a cap that covers your entire tooth from front to back, it can repair your damaged teeth and provide a better aesthetic.

If you’re interested in dental crowns, you may book an appointment with us here at Elevate Dental! We have dentists that can help you solve your dental problems and help you achieve the best smile.