A dental crown is a cap that a dentist places on top of your tooth and above the gum line in order to protect the tooth. The crown is usually made of a combination of materials including metal alloys, porcelain, ceramics, composite resins and it is colored to look just like your natural teeth. These crowns aid in restoring the shape, form, strength, and stability of the tooth in question. While there is a misconception that dental crowns are not necessary, they can provide a variety of benefits, from restoring the look of your teeth to preventing larger issues from developing. These are some of the situations that require dental crowns, and why.

A Broken Tooth

If you chip or break a tooth, your dentist may recommend you get a dental crown. This is crucial for deep cracks, as a crown covers and contains the damage before it spreads further. If your dentist recommends a crown for a small chip or crack, this may appear unnecessary, however, even small damage can protect weak and vulnerable teeth. A dental crown can prevent more damage in the future that requires implants or a bridge.  

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a condition that allows your teeth to weaken and become susceptible to loss. If decay affects the tooth long enough, it can lead to cavities. A dentist will fill in the affected parts of your tooth. If you have a particularly large filling in your tooth, or if you have received multiple fillings in the same tooth, the amount of natural tooth will decrease. The material used in a filling is ineffective without attachment to the tooth. The dental crown will keep the rest of your tooth and your filling protected.   

Worn Teeth

Grinding your teeth excessively causes them to wear down and lose tooth structure. The installation of a dental crown will restore the structure, protect the rest of the original tooth, and allow for proper biting and chewing. Your dentist may also recommend you use a night guard in order to protect your crown from the damage of night grinding.

Root Canal

A root canal on your tooth is often a sign that it will need a dental crown as well. This procedure leaves the tooth more vulnerable to potential damage. Installing a crown will protect your tooth and allow it to function normally.

Your Crown Helps You Have Better Dental Health

A dental crown is important in preventing further tooth decay and damage, as well as restoring proper function to damaged teeth. If you have any of the above conditions, or you have shooting pain in one of your teeth, let Martin Taylor Dentistry take care of your concerns.