Five Reasons You Might Need a Crown

Dental crowns are one of the most commonly used restorations in dentistry. Also known as a cap, a dental crown is cemented over the entire visible structure of a tooth to restore its size, shape, appearance and strength. They can be made of a variety of materials including metal and gold, but many patients prefer porcelain crowns because of how closely the material (and color) resembles their natural teeth.

A dental crown is an easy way to fortify vulnerable teeth while also working to complete other dental treatments, such as implants or bridges. If your dentist recommends a crown as part of your dental treatment plan, you can smile confidently knowing that you will have a natural, durable tooth for years to come.

Here are five common reasons that may indicate you need a dental crown:

1. You have had significant decay. If you have had a large cavity filled, it is likely that the tooth is more prone to breaking, especially during chewing and biting. In many cases, your dentist will apply a crown following a filling to safeguard the fragile tooth structure and evenly distribute pressure across a tooth to alleviate pain.
2. You have had a root canal. During a root canal your dentist will clean out the infected tooth root and then seal the tooth to protect it from bacteria. Unfortunately, the process of removing a tooth’s inner soft tissue significantly weakens the tooth. Placing a dental crown helps re-strengthen the repaired, brittle tooth and reduce the risk of future breakage.
3. You want to improve the appearance of your tooth. In some cases, you may benefit from a tooth-colored crown to cover deeply stained and abnormally shaped teeth. A dental crown can provide your tooth with a more natural, uniform appearance while also making it stronger.
4. You have a deep or painful fracture. Extensive cracks and chips in your teeth can cause a great deal of sensitivity. Because a fractured tooth is at risk for further breakage, it is important that you see your dentist right away before it becomes infected or fractures below the gum line. A dental crown helps shield the fractured tooth from additional damage and pain, while also enhancing the appearance of your smile.
5. To support dental bridges and implants. Often, one or more crowns is needed to complete an implant or bridge restoration. When an implant is placed in the jawbone, the dentist caps the tooth with a crown to create a natural, fully functional bite. Similarly, crowns are also placed to secure traditional dental bridges by anchoring the teeth together.

Dental Crowns from McLean DDS
Whether you want to improve the integrity of a previously damaged tooth, restore missing teeth or conceal cosmetic flaws, a dental crown may be the right option for you. At McLean DDS, we offer all types of dental crowns to help restore your teeth. To learn more about dental crowns, talk to your dentist at your next visit.