How to Know When You Need a Dental Crown

A dental crown can be used to fix many dental issues. It is the most used prosthetic in dentistry, and it fully encases the tooth it is installed on. Crowns look just like a real tooth (when made from materials like composite resins, porcelain and ceramics), and they are almost as durable. It allows the patient to restore the look of a damaged tooth and regain its function for chewing and speech.
Signs you need a dental crown
Here are some clear signs that a person might need to get a dental crown.
1. A severely broken, cracked or chipped tooth
When trauma to a tooth leads to damage to its internal structures, the tooth normally needs to be protected with a crown. Even a small crack in the pulp chamber is enough for millions of bacteria to make their way into the soft tissue of the tooth and infect it. The person would also experience pretty nasty toothaches when these soft tissues are exposed to things that can irritate them like saliva, bacteria and food particles in the mouth. A crown would help to keep such a tooth together and significantly reduce the odds of the tooth becoming infected.
2. Severe tooth decay
It is possible for tooth decay to damage a tooth to a point it is about to crumble. When this is the case, a crown can be used to give the tooth additional protection after a filling has been applied.
3. An infected tooth
When a person goes into a dental clinic with an infected tooth, a root canal is the standard treatment. During this procedure, the dentist cleans out the contents of the pulp chamber and applies medication to fight any infection. The tooth is sealed back up and a crown is used to provide additional support and improve its aesthetics, since infected teeth typically become discolored.
4. Severe stains and discoloration
Some stains refuse to go away regardless of how many whitening treatments the person gets. If most of the visible stains are on the front of the tooth, veneers can be used to improve its aesthetics. However, if the tooth is discolored or deformed on all sides, a crown would provide a better look.
5. When replacing missing teeth
Crowns are combined with tooth replacement options like implants and bridges. They help to anchor the latter in place and serve as artificial teeth with the former. Patients who plan on getting either of these prosthetics will have to get caps.
Benefits of getting crowns
The reasons why crowns have been the most popular dental prosthetic for decades include:
- Feels and looks real
- No need for additional cleaning
- Crowns are a long-lasting solution that can last up to 25 years
- Crowns can be made from a wide range of materials to suit the patient's personal taste
Your crown awaits you
If you are dealing with any of the issues we discussed today, stop by our Newport Beach office to learn more about how crowns can be used to restore your teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.petersmrecekdds.com or call Peter T. Smrecek Jr. DDS Inc. at (949) 759-8606 for an appointment in our Newport Beach office.
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