The primary purpose of a dental crown is to restore the function and strength of a damaged or compromised tooth. A crown or full coverage restoration can aid in strengthening a tooth, improving a patient’s smile, and restore function for daily tasks such as chewing, speaking, and eating.
A dental professional can provide patients with a crown to restore the function and appearance of a tooth which has been compromised. Specialized technology allows the professional to achieve an exact match for the shape and contours of the tooth. This helps ensure the permanent crown looks and feels just like the natural teeth. The dental professional will work diligently to ensure patients are comfortable during treatment and satisfied with the results.
Dental crowns are commonly used to treat the following issues:
* Broken or fractured tooth
* Tooth pain
* Decayed
* Lost or damaged filling
* Cavity below a crown
* Following a root canal
* Dental implant restorations
Crowns are a long-term solution used to protect the natural tooth. In addition, a crown restores the appearance and function of the tooth. Patients with damaged or weakened teeth may be a good candidate for a crown and should follow up with their dentist to discuss their treatment options.
Patients can receive a complete crown or a partial coverage restoration. The patient's tooth should be closely assessed, and various factors should be considered when deciding which type of restoration should be used. As with most dental treatments, there are certain benefits and challenges associated with each treatment. The ideal solution will vary based on the patient’s unique situation.
A full coverage crown can be an excellent option for strengthening a tooth, enhancing a smile, and restoring function. Crowns can give patients the ability to speak and eat normally without any concern. Below are various circumstances when a dental professional may recommend a full coverage crown:
Fractured or Broken Tooth
A tooth which is fractured or broken can often be patched through a more conservative solution such as a partial crown or inlay. Unfortunately, these types of repairs may not be able to endure the strong forces from biting down and chewing. A full coverage crown can cover the break and restore the strength of the natural tooth.
Decay
In most cases, tooth decay is treated using a tooth-colored filling. Unfortunately, the cavity may be too large for a filling. In addition, the dentist may need to remove a large amount of enamel to treat the issue. In this case, a filling is not a good option for restoring the tooth. A full coverage crown can be used in the event of significant decay or a large filling as it will properly restore the function and appearance of the damaged tooth.
Compromised Fillings
When a patient loses a restoration, it commonly indicates that the filling was old, not done properly, or perhaps the tooth experienced trauma which damaged the filling. When a patient loses a filling, the tooth is at an increased risk for infection and other types of oral health issues. Because a crown completely covers the compromised area, a new filling is not required. The crown is able to protect and restore the function of the tooth.
Root Canal
When a dental professional performs a root canal, part of the the tooth is shaved down to ensure the roots are cleaned and filled properly. While this is an effective treatment in eliminating infection, the treated tooth is weak following the procedure. The tooth must be protected in order to prevent the development of additional issues. Crowns are commonly used after a patient has a root canal.
Weakened Tooth
Issues such as decay, damage, and the natural aging process can cause the teeth to become weak. A tooth which is weak can quickly experience issues such as discoloration, chips, cracks, and discomfort when eating. When a tooth is weak, it will require reinforcement to prevent further damage. A full coverage crown can be an excellent solution for restoring a weakened or damaged tooth. The crown can effectively conceal the issue while restoring the tooth’s function.