How can you tell if you need a dental crown?

Only your dentist can tell you for sure. If you schedule biannual dental cleanings and checkups, a good dentist will let you know if getting a dental crown is a good idea for your situation. There are several reasons they may suggest this. You’ll find these listed below.

On the other hand, maybe you haven’t been making it to your dentist appointment every six months. In this case, you can use this checklist to see if any of the reasons listed below apply to you.

Either way, read this guide. If you’re dealing with any of the dental issues explained below, make an appointment to speak with Bruce Sexton DDS about getting a dental crown.

1. You need to cover a dental implant.

Besides repairing damaged teeth, crowns can be used to repair damaged dental implants. If the implant is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged, a crown can be placed over it, just as with a real tooth. This restores the shape of the implant and helps keep it secure upon the implant post.

2. You have a cavity that is too large for a filling.

Normally, when you have a cavity, the dentist drills or grinds away the affected area of the tooth to remove it. This way, the healthy tooth tissue can be saved so it doesn’t rot away.

But sometimes, a cavity penetrates so deep into the tooth that almost all of it must be removed. It may only be the root and the soft tissue inside that can be saved.

In this case, a dental crown can replace the parts of the tooth that were lost and help preserve what’s left. The crown is designed to copy the shape and shade of the original tooth so you can hardly notice the difference.

3. You have a tooth that is weak.

Perhaps you already have a large filling in one tooth and there isn’t much of the real tooth left to hold these in place. It could be a good idea to have a crown put over the tooth and fillings to keep them secure. Additionally, there are plenty of other conditions that can weaken your tooth so that it needs a crown to stay intact.

4. You have gone through a root canal treatment.

A root canal involves grinding a lot of the tooth away in order to reach the infected soft tissue inside it. As with an extensive cavity, a crown will be used to replace the missing parts of the tooth.

5. You have a missing tooth that needs a bridge.

A bridge is an artificial tooth that bridges the gap between two teeth. Unlike dental implants, bridges are not installed into your jaw.

Instead, they can be attached to the teeth that are on either side of the gap so that they’re permanently held in place. To do this, crowns are put over the adjacent teeth as anchors for the bridge.

6. You have a tooth that is cracked or chipped.

When a tooth becomes chipped, sometimes the tooth fragment that breaks off can be reattached. In this instance, a crown will probably go around the repaired tooth to make it less fragile. This is also often done for teeth that are cracked.

If the chipped-off tooth fragment can’t be reattached, a crown may be used to rebuild the tooth. This is just like the process used to repair a tooth after a large cavity is removed.

7. You have a tooth that is worn down.

Sometimes, tooth damage happens in the form of a gradual wearing down. This happens to individuals who grind their teeth often. Of course, teeth can also wear naturally with age.

The more advanced this wear gets, the weaker the tooth becomes. The weakened teeth are more prone to decay and oversensitivity. So, sometimes, the dentist will suggest crowning these teeth to strengthen and protect them.

8. You have an unattractive tooth that is badly shaped or discolored.

Certain dental conditions can permanently affect the color or shape of a tooth. If you’re unhappy with the look of one of your teeth, you can get it reshaped or recolored using a crown.

Also, a misshapen tooth can affect the alignment of your bite. This can cause pain or discomfort when chewing and other problems. Using a crown to reshape your tooth can realign your bite.

9. To use in place of veneers for a more permanent, complete solution.

Veneers only cover the front part of the tooth. Crowns cover the entire tooth, or as much of it as is left.

Thus, veneers are a bit more fragile and will need to be replaced eventually. Crowns are a much more permanent solution that should last as long as the rest of your teeth do.

In fact, they form a protective shell around the tooth that is resistant to cavities and other types of decay. So, your crowned teeth will probably last longer than your other teeth.

10. For any mixture of restorative and cosmetic dentistry your dentist knows is right for you.

There are so many reasons your dentist may suggest a dental crown, we couldn’t list them all here. Often, crowns are included as part of a combination of treatments used to address unique dental issues.

For the most part, your dentist will tell you if they think getting a crown is a good option. Of course, you can always ask your dentist next time you’re in, too.

Do you need to schedule a consultation about getting a dental crown?

After reading the points above, do you think you might need a dental crown? If so, we’re here to help. Make your appointment today to talk with Bruce Sexton DDS about getting a dental crown and about your other options.