A dental crown is a protective covering that is cemented or bonded to your tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, appearance, and function. It is usually made from porcelain, ceramic, metal or a combination of materials. Crowns are custom-made to fit your tooth and mouth.
Here are the top 6 reasons you might need a dental crown:
- Your tooth is broken. Chips, fractures, or cracks are all reasons you may need a crown. The crown will provide the necessary support to prevent further breakdown of the tooth. However, if the tooth is severely damaged and breaks down too much, it may not be possible to save it with a crown. In such cases, the tooth may need to be extracted, and an implant or bridge may be required to replace the missing tooth.
- You have a lot of decay. In situations where a tooth has cavities on multiple sides, opting for a crown instead of a large filling may be the better choice. This is because a large filling can result in the loss of a significant amount of tooth structure. In such cases, a dental crown can help to restore the tooth's strength and prevent further damage.
- You are missing a tooth. If you have a missing tooth due to extraction or lack of development, there are two common solutions: dental implants and dental bridges. A dental implant requires a crown to be placed over it, while a dental bridge involves the use of three crowns that are fused together and attached to the teeth on either side of the gap.
- You just had a root canal. After a root canal procedure, a dental crown is typically necessary to maintain the strength of the treated tooth. Without a crown, the tooth may be susceptible to fractures, and it is important to protect the investment made in the root canal procedure.
- Cosmetic reasons. Veneers are a specific type of crown that only covers the front portion of the tooth. Both veneers and traditional crowns are used to enhance the appearance of your smile by altering the shape, size, length, and color of your existing teeth. One of the advantages of veneers and crowns is that they are resistant to staining.
- It's time to replace. As time passes, a dental crown may require replacement due to various reasons such as the outer porcelain portion breaking, the glue losing its seal, or the underlying tooth structure weakening.
Proper maintenance is necessary for dental crowns, bridges, and veneers, just like natural teeth. It is important to brush and floss around them to keep the underlying tooth structure healthy and maintain good gum health. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also necessary to prevent potential issues from worsening.
In the event that your dentist recommends getting a dental crown because of a significant cavity or root canal, it may be worthwhile to have your saliva analyzed. Testing your saliva can provide a detailed analysis of your oral microbiome, revealing insights about bacterial levels that contribute to tooth decay and offering solutions to improve your oral health. Consider learning more about the peri oral health test and ordering one for yourself today.
About Dr. Kantor
Alexandra Kantor is a prominent dentist and entrepreneur, known for her contributions to the dental industry. With over 10 years experience as a practicing dentist, she has gained a deep understanding of her patient's oral health and overall well-being. In 2022, Dr. Kantor founded peri, an at-home saliva test that specializes in analyzing key bacteria within the mouth. Dr. Kantor holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Indiana School of Dentistry and is dedicated to promoting oral health through advanced technology.