A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover designed to protect weak teeth. Crowns are very versatile and effective dental restorations that can address a wide range of problems. From cavities to cosmetic concerns, there are many reasons a dental crown may be necessary. Here’s when you’re most likely to need a crown.
Seven Reasons Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
1: Severe Tooth Decay
One of the most common reasons for a dental crown is that a tooth is badly decayed. Plaque buildup allows bacteria to constantly eat away at the tooth enamel. This enamel erosion causes cavities that grow larger and larger without treatment. If a tooth has extensive decay, it won’t be strong enough to support fillings. A crown may be necessary to restore the tooth after the decayed portion has been removed.
2: Worn Down Teeth
Grinding or clenching your teeth—a condition known as bruxism—creates friction that wears them down and flattens them. This increases the risk of cavities, tooth sensitivity, and even cracked teeth. Acid erosion from bacteria buildup or consuming too many acidic foods and drinks can also cause teeth to become badly worn. Dental crowns can help restore teeth that have been damaged from bruxism and acid erosion.
3: Old Fillings
Dental fillings, which fix minor cases of decay, should last at least 10 years with proper care. However, poor brushing and flossing habits, teeth grinding, and other damage can shorten their lifespan. When a filling wears down or falls out, bacteria can then attack the already weakened tooth even more. A crown may be necessary to replace the filling and save the tooth.
4: Fractured or Cracked Teeth
Minor chips and cracks can sometimes be corrected with porcelain veneers or dental bonding. But a more significantly cracked, chipped, or broken tooth will most likely need a crown to seal the tooth and prevent the damage from getting worse.
5: After a Root Canal
If the sensitive pulp inside a tooth becomes infected, it can reach the nerves in the root canal. This causes intense pain and can kill the tooth. The best way to treat the infection is to remove the infected pulp through a root canal procedure. In most cases, you will need a crown after a root canal to protect the damaged tooth.
6: Misshapen or Discolored Teeth
Dental crowns aren’t just for restoring function—they can also fix cosmetic problems like discolored or misshapen teeth. And because crowns are colored and shaped to blend seamlessly into your smile, they can offer a big boost in confidence, just like whitening and other cosmetic procedures.
7: To Support a Dental Bridge
You will need crowns if you plan on replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge. A fixed bridge can replace one or more missing teeth (as long as they are in a row) with a natural-looking pontic (false tooth). The pontic is supported by crowns on either side of the gap. The crowns provide stability and restore your ability to bite and chew.
Dental Crowns in Flagstaff, Arizona
At Country Club Dental in Flagstaff, we restore smiles with beautiful and durable zirconia crowns. If you’re experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Just give us a call at 928-526-4314 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Whitney or Dr. Mikaela Weedman.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/17/2023). Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
