Dental crowns are effective options to repair cracked and chipped teeth and to prevent tooth loss. A crown is a tooth-shaped prosthesis that is typically made of porcelain. This material helps it look just like your real tooth. Repairing damaged teeth is necessary to prevent your smile and dental health from additional damage and deterioration in the future.
Keep on reading to discover the six most common signs that you may need a dental crown.
1. You have cracked or broken teeth
Teeth that are chipped, broken, or cracked, may lack enough inner tooth structure to use other treatment options. Since your teeth cannot heal from cracks or breaks, dental crowns are typically the most effective treatment for teeth that have suffered this kind of damage. Capping one or a few of your teeth with a crown will help protect them from additional damage and recover their natural appearance and structure.
2. You have misshapen teeth
If one of your teeth is crooked, badly aligned, or has a flawed appearance, a dental crown is a great option for improving its overall aesthetic. After being crowned, your tooth will look white, straight, and strong. Other restorative dentistry treatments like veneers are also used to achieve the same look. However, they can change only the visible surface of your tooth and fail to prevent problems linked to misalignment. Consult a restorative dentistry specialist to determine which procedure is the most appropriate in your situation.
3. You have decayed teeth
According to the Center for Disease Control, about 91% of U.S. citizens have had cavities at some point in their life, and nearly 30% of American adults over 20 have undiagnosed cavities. If identified timely, a filling can fix mild cases of decay. However, if a cavity is large and causes pain, capping it with a crown is essential to prevent damage to the roots of your tooth.
4. You have large fillings
If you have a large filling that has fractured or otherwise damaged, a dental crown is the best option for replacing it. Crowns are the most effective way to protect the inner surface of your teeth as they substitute the entire exterior. Large fillings typically compromise a tooth’s structural integrity. This can increase your odds of teeth cracking. Besides, old metal fillings are highly prone to crack or fall out. This can eventually cause you to require a dental crown for repairing your tooth and restoring its function.
5. You need a root canal
When performed by a reputable and highly experienced dental specialist, a root canal can prevent your tooth from dying by removing its infected soft center. When finishing a root canal procedure, your dentist will typically protect your tooth by installing a dental crown. Without this precautionary step, your tooth will become fragile and break easily due to reduced blood supply and removed nerves after a root canal.
6. Your old crown is cracked or missing
Dental crowns are very strong and durable. However, they aren’t entirely indestructible and cannot last forever. After 15 years of use, your crown will become damaged, loose, or discolored and will require a replacement. Your old crown cannot be repaired and installed back onto your tooth. Instead, a new crown must be made.
The bottom line
If you have fractured, chipped or broken teeth, consider repairing them by getting a dental crown. Dental crowns are also highly effective to restore teeth that have large and painful cavities in them. Consult a dental specialist to determine if you’re a good candidate for this type of treatment.