A dental crown, often referred to as a dental cap, is a custom-made covering designed to encase a damaged or weakened tooth. Its main purpose is to restore the tooth’s original shape, size, and strength, while improving its appearance. Crowns provide a protective shield over the entire visible portion of the tooth. They are a common restorative solution when a tooth has sustained damage that cannot be adequately addressed with simpler treatments like fillings.
When a Crown is a Solution
Even significantly damaged teeth can often be restored with a dental crown, provided certain conditions are met. Crowns are frequently recommended for teeth with large fillings, especially when the filling has compromised a substantial portion of the natural tooth structure. They are also suitable for teeth that are cracked or fractured, as long as the fracture does not extend deeply below the gum line or involve the tooth’s root.
Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment often become brittle. A crown provides necessary protection, reinforcing the treated tooth and preventing further damage. Crowns can also address teeth severely worn down due to habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion. Covering these teeth with crowns can restore their form and protect them from further wear.
Furthermore, teeth with extensive decay that cannot be effectively repaired with a standard filling may still be candidates for a crown. For a crown to be successful, there must be enough healthy tooth structure remaining above the gum line to provide a stable foundation. This remaining structure acts as an anchor for the crown. Sometimes, if insufficient tooth structure remains, a dentist might use composite resin or a post-and-core buildup to create a more stable base before placing the crown. Crowns can also be utilized for cosmetic enhancements, covering teeth that are misshapen, severely discolored, or uneven, thereby improving the overall appearance of a smile.
When a Crown May Not Be Possible
Despite their versatility, dental crowns are not always a viable solution for every damaged tooth. There are specific circumstances where a tooth may be too compromised to adequately support a crown. Extensive decay or insufficient healthy tooth structure above the gum line can prevent a crown from having a stable foundation, even with attempts at buildup.
Severe fractures also present a significant challenge. If a crack or fracture extends deep below the gum line or into the tooth’s root, the tooth often becomes unrestorable with a crown. Such deep fractures compromise stability and can lead to infection.
Issues with the tooth’s root structure can also preclude crown placement. This includes severe root resorption, the breakdown or loss of the tooth’s root structure, or untreatable infections within the root. Deep root fractures or other significant root damage make the tooth non-viable for any restoration. Finally, severe periodontal disease, which affects the supporting bone and gum tissues, can make a tooth unsuitable for a crown. A crown will not be successful if the tooth lacks a stable foundation due to significant bone loss or active gum infection, and could worsen the underlying condition.
Options When a Crown Isn’t Suitable
When a tooth is too severely damaged to be restored with a crown, other treatment options are available to maintain oral health and function. Extraction, the complete removal of a compromised tooth, is considered when it’s beyond repair or poses a risk to surrounding teeth or overall oral health.
After extraction, the missing tooth can be replaced using various prosthetic solutions. A dental bridge replaces missing teeth by anchoring a prosthetic tooth (pontic) to crowns on adjacent healthy teeth, spanning the gap. This fixed solution restores chewing function and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting.
Another highly effective replacement option is a dental implant. This involves surgically placing an artificial tooth root (typically a titanium post) into the jawbone. After healing and integration, a custom crown is attached. Implants provide a stable, long-lasting solution that functions like a natural tooth and helps preserve jawbone health.
The Role of Professional Assessment
Determining whether a damaged tooth can receive a crown or if other treatments are necessary requires a thorough professional assessment. A dental professional conducts a comprehensive oral examination, including a visual inspection to identify damage, decay, or structural issues.
X-rays and other advanced imaging are essential, providing detailed views of internal structures, roots, and surrounding bone to reveal hidden decay, infections, or fractures. The dentist considers factors like damage extent, root health, gum tissue condition, and oral hygiene, along with patient preferences and budget, when discussing treatment plans. Delaying a dental visit for a damaged tooth can lead to complications; timely professional advice is always recommended.