When Dental Crowns Make Sense

Crowns are the best option to extend the life of a natural tooth and can delay removal of a tooth as well as the use of an implant for years. While they require a greater investment than composite fillings, they are an excellent long-term solution that requires much less maintenance from your dentist. Because of this cost, most people want to be sure they really do need a crown before they commit.

Below are the most common cases when a crown may be recommended:

Cracked tooth

Unlike a broken bone, a cracked tooth simply cannot heal itself. A dental crown may be recommended to cover and protect a cracked tooth. Did you know that cracks are often the result of stress fractures in teeth? These small fractures generally do not pose a threat to the overall structure of the tooth.  A digital x-ray with consultation at Dental Solutions of Avon can properly diagnose a cracked tooth.

Chipped tooth

No matter what caused a chip in a tooth from physical damage to weakened enamel, chips can be treated with a crown. This offers protection to the rest of the tooth’s enamel – helping protect it and extend the life of the tooth.

Cavities

If cavities cover more than half the width a tooth, Dr. Sitaram or Dr. Weida will suggest treating them with a crown, rather than fillings. This could be suggested for one large or several smaller cavities. Fillings can crumble and fall out, while crowns provide more structural support and protect the integrity of the tooth while filling in the gaps left by cavities.

Protect a weak tooth

Dentists might also recommend a crown to help protect a weak tooth, before something more traumatic like a severe chip or break happens. A crown can hold together a tooth, and with proper dental care, it can help delay more aggressive treatments like removal or dental implants.

Appearance

Crowns can help cover or reshape a tooth that is misshapen or sticks out at an awkward angle. For other severe cosmetic changes such as severe discolored of a single tooth, crowns are good option to explore with your dentist at Dental Solutions of Avon.

Crowns are some of the most common dental interventions and they are an effective way to treat a variety of dental issues that weaken the tooth itself. Getting a crown is a good long-term solution to several dental issues, from cracked or chipped teeth, cavities or as a cosmetic or preventative measure against the same.