If you have a damaged tooth or cosmetic flaw in your smile, you may wonder if you need a dental crown. Dental crowns are a restorative treatment method that repairs damaged teeth and helps fix cosmetic flaws.
If you’re one of the many people who feel insecure about their smile or have a compromised tooth, you may benefit from a crown. To learn more about when a tooth needs a crown and why your dentist might recommend this procedure, continue reading.
Times When You Might Need a Tooth Crown
Crowns for Dental Health & Function
Crowns are used to finish off root canals and repair cracked or otherwise damaged teeth. Some minor issues can be fixed with dental bonding, fillings, or veneers. Dental crowns are usually necessary to repair teeth that have suffered severe decay or injury.
Below are some examples of when a dental crown is needed to address oral health concerns:
- You’ve Had Root Canal Treatment
After a root canal procedure, your tooth’s structure gets weaker, making it vulnerable to injury. A crown provides essential protection by covering the entire tooth above the gum line. Without this reinforcement, your treated tooth may eventually crack.
- You Have a Deep Cavity
When tooth decay is severe, a regular filling often isn’t enough to repair the damage. Large cavities thin tooth walls, leaving them vulnerable to breaking. A crown offers complete coverage, distributing chewing pressure evenly across the tooth and reinforcing its strength. It also seals the tooth more effectively than a large filling, preventing further decay beneath the restoration.
- You Have a Broken Tooth
A broken tooth may need a crown to restore both function and appearance. Broken teeth expose sensitive inner layers, causing pain and increasing infection risk. A crown covers the entire damaged area, protecting the tooth while restoring its shape and strength. This custom-fit restoration also helps maintain proper bite alignment.
- You Need a Dental Implant
When replacing a missing tooth with an implant, a crown serves as the visible portion that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The implant itself is a titanium post acting as an artificial root, but the crown attached to it allows you to bite, chew, and smile normally.
- You Need a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges rely on crowns to secure replacement teeth when you’re missing one or more teeth. In a traditional bridge, crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap, with an artificial tooth suspended between them. These supporting crowns anchor the bridge securely, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile naturally.
- Teeth Have Been Worn Down
Years of teeth grinding, acidic foods, or aggressive brushing can wear down your tooth enamel. Worn teeth often cause bite problems and tooth sensitivity. Crowns can restore the original height and shape of worn teeth, improving your bite, smile, and protecting the remaining tooth structure.
Cosmetic Reasons for Crowns
Cosmetic dental procedures can fix everything from minor chips and cracks to discoloration. Crowns are a type of procedure that can be used for cosmetic purposes as well as restorative.
Below are some examples of when you might need a dental crown to fix smile flaws:
- Discolored Teeth or Fillings
Some teeth develop stains from medications, food, and dental treatments that won’t respond to typical whitening methods. Crowns offer a solution by covering the entire tooth with a new, perfectly colored exterior. Modern crowns look remarkably natural, reflecting light like your own teeth while resisting future staining.
- Misshapen or Uneven Teeth
If you have teeth that are irregular in shape, size, or don’t match neighboring teeth, crowns offer an aesthetic solution. A custom crown transforms a tooth by covering it completely with a perfectly shaped restoration that blends with your smile.
Wondering how you’ll know if you need a crown? Our professionals at 51吃瓜网 can help. Our team will perform a thorough dental exam to assess the health of your teeth and gums before recommending treatment.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Your average dental crown will usually last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. However, in many cases, a well-maintained crown can last upwards of 25 years.
Visit 51吃瓜网
If you’re interested in dental crowns to improve the health and appearance of your smile, 51吃瓜网 is here for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our local restorative and cosmetic dentist. We’re also available for routine care, such as dental cleanings and advising you on how to properly care for your smile at home.
