Why Get Dental Crowns?
When your teeth are suffering from decay, your dentist will usually suggest fillings. However, more extensive decay will require a different solution. Dental crowns are made from metal or metal overlaid with porcelain. They're a permanent covering for your teeth that can enhance your teeth's appearance and provide protection. Here are four reasons you might need to get a dental crown.
1. Your teeth are cracked.
Your teeth can crack if you're in an accident, if you bite down on something hard, or if you grind your teeth frequently. If the crack is not particularly deep, you won't need to have the tooth extracted. However, your dentist will probably want to reinforce the tooth to prevent the crack from worsening. A dental crown is the perfect tool for this job if the cracked tooth is one of your molars. If one of your front teeth cracked, a dental veneer may be a better choice.
2. Your teeth have a particularly large cavity.
Large cavities will require your dentists to remove a greater portion of your tooth. Unfortunately, this can make your tooth more susceptible to future breakage. Composite fillings aren't strong enough to be put to this particular use, so your dentist may want to install a dental crown to protect your tooth.
3. You desire a dental bridge.
If you're missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge can restore them. Unlike dentures which need to be removed nightly, a dental bridge contains prosthetic teeth which are permanently affixed to your mouth. In order to install a bridge, your dentist will attach dental crowns to the two teeth adjacent to the gap in your mouth. This will hold your artificial teeth in place. Once your dental bridge is installed, it will last you many years if you take proper care of it.
4. Your old dental crown is failing.
Dental crowns can last up to fifteen years, but eventually they may begin to leak. The pressure of your bite can wear it down over time. If you begin to experience pain or if your dentist identifies a problem with your old crown on an x-ray, they will want to replace it. Replacing a dental crown is a relatively quick procedure. Your dentist will numb your mouth and remove your old crown. They will clean the tooth beneath and remove any decay that has formed as a result of a leak. Then, they will affix your new dental crown in place.
For more information about dental crowns, talk to your dentist.
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