A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap used in restorative dentistry to cover a damaged or weakened tooth above the gum line. This restoration returns the tooth to its original shape, size, and strength, while also improving its appearance. The primary goal of placing a dental crown is to protect the underlying natural tooth structure from further deterioration and to restore its function. By encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth, crowns provide a durable barrier against the forces encountered in the mouth.
How Dental Crowns Encapsulate and Strengthen Teeth
The protective function of a dental crown lies in its full coverage, acting as a sturdy shell around a compromised tooth. This encapsulation binds the remaining tooth structure together, providing essential physical reinforcement for teeth damaged by decay or injury. When biting or chewing, the crown absorbs and distributes forces across the surface, preventing stress from concentrating on weakened points. The crown also creates a seal that prevents oral bacteria and acids from intruding upon the prepared tooth surface, protecting the tooth from further decay or infection.
Specific Dental Conditions Requiring Crown Protection
A crown is recommended when a tooth is structurally compromised and a traditional filling would not provide adequate support. Teeth with extensive decay or very large fillings often lack enough natural material to withstand chewing forces. In these cases, the crown restores the structural integrity that the large filling has weakened.
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are highly susceptible to fracture because the procedure can make the tooth brittle. Placing a crown after a root canal reinforces the tooth, providing necessary strength. Crowns are also used to hold together cracked or fractured teeth, preventing the crack from propagating further. Additionally, teeth suffering severe wear from erosion or grinding (bruxism) may require a crown to restore proper height and contour.
Ensuring Long-Term Protection and Longevity
While a crown protects the tooth structure it covers, it does not make the tooth immune to all future problems. The area where the crown meets the natural tooth, known as the margin, remains vulnerable to decay and gum disease. If plaque and bacteria accumulate there, a new cavity can form underneath the crown, compromising the seal and the restoration. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential to ensure the crown’s longevity. Daily flossing around the margin and brushing twice a day help protect the remaining tooth structure, along with avoiding damaging habits like biting on hard objects.