How to Know if You Need a Crown
You may need a dental crown if you have a large cavity, a cracked or damaged tooth, or severe tooth discoloration. Additionally, a crown may be necessary if you have misshapen teeth, grind your teeth, or need to cover a tooth that has recently undergone a root canal procedure.
Typically, a dentist will indicate the need for a crown. However, there are a few symptoms you can look out for when deciding whether or not you may be a good candidate.
Top Indications for Dental Crowns
Some of the most common reasons patients get dental crowns in our Bakersfield, CA office include decayed, weak, loose, discolored, and misshapen teeth. If you are experiencing significant tooth pain, this could indicate that a deep cavity has formed. In this case, a crown may be required. The following are some of the most common reasons why people get dental crowns:
Advanced Cavity
A dental crown may be needed if you have a cavity that has become too advanced for a filling. A crown offers better protection against damage and infection than a filling in these cases because it covers the entire tooth.
A study published in 1989 showed that large fillings resulted in a greater loss of tooth stiffness than small fillings or root canals. If there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure to support a filling, a crown might be preferable.
To Finish Off a Root Canal
In most cases, an individual tooth that has undergone root canal therapy should be strengthened with a crown. Teeth often become weakened after the tooth nerve is removed because the tooth is cut off from the blood supply. Sometimes, a temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is being made. In both cases, the dental crown can help improve the tooth's stability, integrity, strength, and appearance.
Broken or Fractured Teeth
You might need a dental crown if you've had an injury that resulted in a broken tooth. This is particularly true if you are experiencing tooth pain or feel that a tooth is loose. Keep in mind that an injured tooth can present with multiple fractures. If vertical fissures reach the gumline, a full-coverage crown may be needed.
Vertical fractures that extend below the gum line may require a root canal and crown lengthening—or in some cases—the removal of the tooth. If you suspect that your tooth is damaged, it’s best to consult an oral surgeon who specializes in dental crown procedures to determine the severity of the break.
Discolored or Misshapen Tooth
A dental crown can improve the appearance of your smile if a tooth or teeth are stained or malformed. Misshapen teeth can be a result of:
Medical conditions
Genetic factors
Tooth decay
Wear from bruxism (teeth grinding) or from excessive acid due to bulimia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Tooth discoloration can result from:
Poor oral hygiene
Calcium deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency
Coffee, tea, wine, dark soda, and cigarette consumption
Certain medications
Certain diseases
The aging process
A dying or dead tooth nerve
In all of these cases, a crown will not only strengthen and support the misshapen or discolored tooth but can also dramatically enhance its appearance.
What Can I Get Instead of a Crown?
If your dentist suggests a dental crown, it is probably the best choice to preserve your tooth. However, there are a few alternatives to dental crowns that might be suitable in some circumstances:
Dental Implants
In some cases, a dentist may determine that your tooth is too weak or damaged to be adequately supported by a dental crown. In this situation, the dentist may suggest a dental implant. A dental implant is an artificial tooth that’s placed permanently into the jawbone. This can be an excellent option for a missing, decayed, or weakened tooth that is unable to be saved by a filling or crown.
If you already have a dental implant post and abutment, a crown will be placed on top to replace the missing tooth. Before deciding if a dental crown or dental implant is the best option for you, see a dentist for an evaluation and to go over the procedures that might be appropriate in your case.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are used to fill cavities that are too large for a filling, but not large enough to require a full crown. An inlay is a restoration that fits into the grooves and cusps of the tooth whereas an onlay covers more area of the tooth and is often referred to as a partial crown.
Neither dental inlays nor onlays completely encase the tooth like dental crowns do. Instead, they are used in areas where there is a large amount of tooth decay to cover a portion of the natural tooth when a full crown isn’t required.
What Happens if I Don’t Get a Crown?
It's critical to receive a dental crown as soon as possible if you have been advised to do so by a trusted dentist. This is because a dental crown may be able to stop further tooth deterioration. If the tooth deteriorates further, you might eventually need a root canal or dental implant.
A damaged tooth can also result in infection, which—if not treated—can spread to your body and even become life-threatening. Therefore, delaying getting a dental crown is not advised as it may have dire consequences. If unsure, seek out a second opinion as soon as possible.
A Dental Crown Can Prevent More Severe Problems
You may need a dental crown to protect or strengthen a weak tooth. Crowns may also be necessary after a root canal procedure or for cosmetic reasons. If multiple crowns are needed in a row, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge.
The best way to determine if a dental crown is right for you is to speak with an experienced restorative dentist. He or she will evaluate your oral health and advise you on the best course of action.