When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?

A dental crown is a device that is used to protect a damaged tooth. It covers the entire part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line. Dental crowns also restore the look and function of the damaged tooth, allowing the wearer to get back to chewing and speaking regularly.

When a dental crown is necessary

Dental crowns are one of the most commonly used oral prosthetics, and they can be used to address a wide range of dental issues. Some of these include:

1. To fix a chipped, fractured or broken tooth

A dental crown can be used to hide the damage done by a chip, crack or fracture and restore the look and function of the tooth. It can also be used to prevent the tooth from decaying. When a tooth is chipped, portions of the protective cover called the enamel is removed from the tooth. This enamel serves a fundamental purpose, protecting the inner layers of a tooth from the corrosive acids and bacteria in the mouth.

A crown acts as new enamel when it is placed over a tooth.

2. When getting a dental implant

When a person has a missing tooth replaced with an implant, a crown will be placed on the external-facing end of the device. This placement is usually done after osseointegration is complete. The process can take anywhere from three to six months.

In some cases, when the patient has enough healthy jawbone tissue, temporary crowns are placed on the implant as soon as it is surgically inserted into the patient's jaw.

3. When getting bridges

Bridges are dental devices that are used to bridge gaps in a person's smile with artificial teeth. It is usually a permanent solution that stays in once inserted. Bridges are held in place by the two teeth that are closest to the gap. These teeth are typically covered with crowns to provide a more secure connection.

4. After a root canal

A root canal treatment is performed when the pulp of a tooth has been compromised due to tooth decay. This often leads to the infection of the tooth. During the procedure, the dentist will drill a hole into the tooth, and the pulp and other debris in the pulp chamber are removed using a series of files. The gap is then sealed with a special filling; then a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage, restoring its look and its function.

5. To address a stained or discolored tooth

When a stained or discolored tooth is not responsive to whitening treatments, a crown can be used to cover the tooth and give it the desired look. Veneers can also be used for this purpose, but these devices only cover the front of a tooth, while crowns cover the entire tooth.

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