When Is Getting a Dental Crown Necessary?

A dental crown can be used to treat a number of oral issues. Commonly known as caps, crowns are used to cover up damaged teeth completely, instantly restoring their look and function. The cosmetic and restorative properties of crowns are what makes them so popular with dentists. Nothing extends the life of a damaged tooth like a dental crown.

Unfortunately, crowns are one of the pricier prosthetics used in dentistry. Most patients would rather not get them unless they are completely necessary. Some issues that can be fixed with a crown can also be repaired with composite resins or veneers.

Figuring out if you need a dental crown

Here are a few legitimate reasons a dentist might want to protect a patient's teeth with a dental crown:

1. A tooth is cracked or broken

When a tooth hurts after biting down on something, there is a good chance that it is cracked. This is a severe dental condition that can lead to infection and the loss of the tooth when ignored. What looks like a tiny crack to patients is a massive opening for oral bacteria and food particles. The bacteria get to the pulp chamber through the crack and infect the soft tissue there. This can lead to severe toothaches, and the infection will spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

A cracked tooth is often treated with a root canal if detected early. The crown of the tooth might need to be lengthened afterward to improve its aesthetics. If severe damage has been done to the tooth, the dentist might decide to extract it and replace it with an implant instead.

2. A crown is the only option

At times, a crown is the most effective way to go about treating a tooth. For example, a tooth that has been seriously damaged by decay can be fixed with a filling, but that will not protect it from further damage. In addition, a large filling can also weaken a tooth, leading to it eventually becoming damaged. Many dentists would prefer to use a crown for patients dealing with such issues since it prevents further decay, improves the way the tooth looks and restores the lost function of the tooth.

3. When a root canal is performed

Crowns are often used to protect a tooth that has had root canal therapy. A root canal is usually used to deal with severe decay that leads to an infection or damage to a tooth that affects the pulp chamber. The tooth worked on is typically covered with a dental crown to prevent further damage or an infection from re-occurring.

The molars, in particular, need to be covered with a crown after a root canal since they deal with tremendous forces when grinding down food.

Find out if you need a crown

Dealing with an oral issue that might require a crown? Stop by our San Dimas office to find out if you have other options.

Request an appointment here: https://sandimassedation.com or call San Dimas Family and Sedation Dentistry at (909) 740-8294 for an appointment in our San Dimas office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.