Dentists like Boon Dental can fit dental crowns and help you smile with confidence again. But knowing when you need a dental crown can be a little challenging.
Our teeth can go through some strenuous situations to keep us nourished and fed. As a result, they can become damaged or decay over time. When this happens, your teeth can be in a vulnerable position and may lose their functionality.
Dental crowns are designed as a way to combat this problem. They cover your teeth to protect them and allow them to function as normal again. They can also provide your teeth with an improved, natural-looking appearance.
In this article, we explain what a dental crown is and identify ways to know when you need a dental crown.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom cap that covers a broken or decayed tooth. It can give the appearance of a natural tooth while making it functional again. Dental caps can make people confident in their smile and allow them to use their teeth to their maximum efficiency.
Modern day dental crowns are usually made from porcelain. They are bonded to your tooth and not removable. Dental crowns, if taken care of, can last many years.
When you need a dental crown
It can be difficult to know when you need a dental crown, so it’s always best to consult your dentist. However, several different issues could mean you may need this treatment. As dental crowns support the structure of your tooth and help it function correctly, they’re typically used whenever your tooth is damaged, weakened or needs replacing.
Below are some of the situations when you need a dental crown:
You have a missing tooth
If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist may recommend a bridge. A bridge and dental crown go hand-in-hand. A dental crown is essentially the anchor to which a bridge is connected and held in place with.
You have a large cavity
If you have a tooth that has been overfilled, topping the tooth with a crown may be necessary. When a tooth loses a significant amount of its original structure, a dental crown may be needed to restore it. Severely damaged or decayed teeth are vulnerable to cracking and chipping under stress. Similarly, tooth cusps that break can leave your tooth cracked and can allow further damage. A dental crown can be the perfect solution to restoring the structure and strengthening your tooth in these cases.
You have a root canal
Usually after root canal treatment, your tooth will be capped with a dental crown. As root canal treatment involves removing any damaged and decayed bits of tooth, a dental crown is usually required to reinforce your tooth’s structure, protect it from further damage and restore your smile.
You have a cracked tooth
Cracked teeth can cause pain and toothaches. A dental crown can sit over the entire cracked tooth protecting any exposed nerves and preventing further cracking. Crowns apply even pressure to the whole tooth and minimise the pain of a cracked tooth in the process.
You want to change the appearance of a tooth
You don’t need to wait for a functional reason to install a dental crown. Dental crowns can be designed specifically to achieve the aesthetic result you’re after. If you want to change the appearance of your tooth, a dental crown may be exactly what you need. A dental crown can change the appearance of a tooth’s shape, size, colour and even alignment.
Speak to a dentist about dental crowns
Dental crowns serve an essential purpose to increase functionality and prevent further damage. You can also use them to change the shape and appearance of your teeth. So, when do you need a dental crown? If any of the points in this article are true for you, you may need to contact Boon Dental for a consultation with one of our experienced dentists.