When a tooth experiences significant damage or decay, a dental crown often becomes a recommended solution. This restoration aims to preserve the tooth’s structure and function, preventing further complications.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped “cap” that completely covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, from the gum line upwards. This restoration encases the tooth, restoring its original shape, size, strength, and appearance. It provides a protective barrier, allowing the tooth to withstand the daily pressures of chewing and biting.
Key Reasons for Crown Recommendation
A dental crown is frequently recommended when a tooth is compromised beyond what a standard filling can effectively repair. One primary reason involves protecting a weak tooth from breaking or holding together parts of a cracked tooth. When a tooth has significant cracks or is weakened by decay, a crown acts as a protective shield, distributing biting forces evenly across the tooth and preventing further fracture.
Crowns also play a role in restoring teeth that are already broken or severely worn down. Whether due to trauma, extensive decay, or chronic grinding, a crown can rebuild the tooth’s form, allowing it to function properly. This restoration helps to improve chewing ability and prevents further erosion of the tooth structure. Supporting a tooth with a large filling is another common indication for a crown, especially when there is insufficient natural tooth structure remaining. A large filling can weaken the tooth, making it susceptible to fracture, and a crown provides the necessary external support.
Beyond structural integrity, crowns are used for cosmetic reasons, such as covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth. When whitening treatments are ineffective or a tooth’s shape is irregular, a crown can provide a uniform, natural-looking solution that blends with surrounding teeth. Crowns are also essential components in certain tooth replacement procedures. They are used to cover a dental implant, creating a natural-looking and functional replacement tooth. Crowns additionally serve to hold a dental bridge in place, anchoring the prosthetic teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants.
A common recommendation for a crown follows a root canal procedure. After a root canal, the tooth’s internal structure is altered, potentially making it more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown provides full coverage, protecting the treated tooth from the forces of chewing and reducing the risk of breakage.
Risks of Not Getting a Crown
Delaying a recommended dental crown can lead to negative consequences. One significant risk is the worsening of existing decay, which can progress to an infection or abscess. Bacteria can infiltrate deeper into the tooth, potentially reaching the pulp and leading to painful infections that may require more extensive treatment, such as a root canal or even extraction.
A compromised tooth left without a crown is highly susceptible to further fracturing or complete breakage. The tooth remains vulnerable to the stresses of chewing, biting, and grinding, which can exacerbate existing damage. This can result in irreversible damage, making the tooth unsalvageable and necessitating extraction. Increased sensitivity and pain are also common outcomes when a damaged tooth remains unprotected. Exposed dentin or a compromised tooth structure can lead to discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages, impacting daily comfort.
Ultimately, delaying a crown can lead to the loss of the tooth. If the tooth fractures beyond repair or an infection becomes too severe, extraction may become the only viable option. Tooth loss can then impact chewing ability, affect the alignment of adjacent teeth, and potentially lead to jawbone deterioration. Furthermore, avoiding a necessary crown can result in increased costs for future, more complex treatments, as procedures like extractions, implants, or bridges are typically more expensive than a crown.
When Other Options Are Considered
While dental crowns are effective for significant tooth damage, other restorative options are available for less severe issues. Dental fillings are commonly used for smaller cavities or minor damage where a substantial amount of healthy tooth structure remains. Fillings restore the affected area within the tooth, addressing decay without requiring full coverage. They are a less invasive and often more cost-effective solution for limited tooth repair.
Veneers are primarily considered for cosmetic concerns affecting the front surface of teeth, such as discoloration, minor chips, or irregular shapes. Unlike crowns, veneers cover only the visible front surface and are not designed to restore structural integrity or protect a severely damaged tooth. They are a good option for enhancing appearance when the underlying tooth is largely healthy.
Extraction is a last resort when a tooth is too severely damaged, decayed, or infected to be saved by a crown or any other restorative treatment. If a tooth has extensive decay that has spread beyond repair, or if there is insufficient tooth structure to support a crown, removal may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection or further complications.