When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?

A dental crown is a restoration option designed to cover a weak or damaged tooth, restoring its function and appearance. The crown protects the tooth from further damage and prevents the need for extraction. Different types of dental crowns are available, each custom-made to fit over the tooth and blend in with the rest of the teeth. This article covers instances when the dentist might recommend getting a dental crown.

When are dental crowns needed?

Different conditions that might require placing a dental crown over the tooth include large decay or dental fillings, root canal treatments, a cracked tooth, broken tooth cusps, enamel deterioration, and aesthetic improvement.

Large decay or dental fillings

A dental crown is required to protect the tooth when a cavity or decay has damaged a significant portion of the tooth. The existing tooth structure will not be strong enough to handle dental functions like chewing or biting and may even break completely. Also, if a tooth already has a large filling, the patient will need a dental crown to support it if there are signs of cracking or stress on the filling.

Root canal treatment

A root canal treatment removes infected pulp material in the tooth. However, the treatment leaves the pulp chamber empty, making the tooth weaker and prone to breakage. Therefore, the dentist will recommend covering the treated tooth with a dental crown to prevent damage.

Cracked tooth

When the tooth has fracture lines or cracks, it may cause significant pain or discomfort when chewing. The pressure from chewing affects the fracture lines; patients may feel like their teeth will break apart. Crown placement keeps the tooth structure together, absorbing chewing forces and spreading it evenly. The result is less pain. Sometimes, the dentist may place a temporary crown to alleviate the discomfort and ensure a root canal procedure is unnecessary before placing the permanent crown.

Broken teeth cusps

Physical injury to the teeth can damage the tooth cusps. The cusps handle the chewing functions of the teeth, which means prompt repair is necessary to prevent additional damage. In some cases, the breakage may extend to the gum line, and the dentist may need to perform crown lengthening. The bone and gums around the broken part of the tooth will be trimmed so that the tooth structure can take the dental crown.

Enamel deterioration

Habits like teeth grinding can cause enamel deterioration. The acid from gastrointestinal acid reflux, acidic diets, or bulimia can also contribute to enamel erosion. The deterioration of the enamel predisposes other layers of the tooth to damage and infection. The dentist will recommend getting a dental crown to restore the tooth’s shape and form. It will also stop teeth sensitivity caused by enamel erosion.

Aesthetic improvement

If the teeth are crooked, or have stains or gaps, the teeth will look less attractive. The dentist may recommend placing dental crowns to make the smile look aesthetically appealing. For a missing tooth, the dental crown is connected to the dental implant or makes up part of the dental bridge to serve as a tooth replacement option.

The process of getting a dental crown

Nobody looks forward to going to the dentist, but being well-informed beforehand may help reduce anxiety and ensure proper preparation. The dentist will provide local anesthetic before starting the operation to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. The tooth may initially need a filling to repair enough of the tooth for the crown to attach.

The dentist will then file down the tooth so the crown can fit over it. Finally, they will take an imprint of the tooth. Next, the dentist will use a shade guide or photographs to ensure that the crown matches the patient's existing tooth color. The first session will end with placing a temporary crown over the treated tooth.

The dentist will replace the temporary crown once the permanent crown is ready. The dental professional will remove the temporary crown and then place the permanent crown over the tooth, checking the fit along the way. They will use dental cement to hold the crown in place permanently.

The bottom line

If you have a damaged tooth, a crown (or a cap) may protect it and restore its shape and size so that it can continue to function normally for many more years. Dental crowns protect the tooth, make it last longer, and improve the aesthetics. They do an excellent job restoring the tooth to its natural size and form, making a severely damaged tooth seem like a normal tooth again. If you think getting a dental crown would be an effective option for your condition, contact our dental office to schedule an examination and review your options.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oakbrookdentist.com or call Metcalf Dental at (630) 203-9779 for an appointment in our Oak Brook office.

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