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When Is a Dental Crown Needed? Signs and Treatment
Your teeth are relevant beyond chewing as they are a crucial factor contributing to your overall wellness. While most dental health issues can be avoided by developing oral hygiene habits, but sometimes a tooth may get damaged severely. At this point, a dental crown is your best option, and is one of the most common and efficient restorative methods of treatment.
If you were told by a dental professional that you require a crown, then read along to be aware of what this process will be like and what to expect. The purpose of this article is to explain what a crown is, six common situations requiring a crown, and how to fix your smile appropriately with all the modern options available to you.
Understanding the Role of a Dental Crown
Simply stating, a dental crown is a custom cap designed to cover a decayed tooth completely, restoring its original shape, size, strength and appearance. Its protective covering takes the stress of chewing which means that the tooth structure will not fail beneath the restoration. However, choosing not to get a dental crown or delaying it when recommended can result in tooth problems such as pain, infection, or complete loss of the tooth structure.
The Five Key Signs You Need a Dental Crown
Restorative dentistry focuses on prevention or, more specifically, preventing a small issue from turning into a major issue. Let us show you, the five most common situations and related symptoms that indicate you need a dental crown:
1. After Major Decay: When a Filling Won't Work
When tooth decay (a cavity) is somewhere small to moderate, a filling is used. However, if the decay is so extensive that the filling will take more than two-thirds of the tooth, then the remaining tooth structure becomes brittle and could easily fracture.
Sign/Symptom:
- You have a massive cavity present.
- Your dentist just recommended replacing a very old, large filling that is cracking the tooth.
- Sensitive to temperature changes, or when biting down.
These are a few symptoms that indicate the only way to revive tooth structure is with a new dental crown.
2. A Cracked or Severely Fractured Tooth
A tooth can crack due to trauma, grinding (bruxism), or chewing on something hard. Cracks not only affect the outer layer of the tooth but also get into the soft inner pulp. Moreover, this can cause sharp pain and sensitivity. This type of fracture cannot be reversed without protection.
Sign/Symptom:
- Sharp pain and sensitivity
- Visible crack line down the vertical surface of the tooth.
The Dental crown supports the tooth across the crack, prevents the crack from extending, and stabilizes the tooth.
3. Post Root Canal Treatment
Once the pulp is removed, the tooth is devoid of its internal blood supply and hydration, which makes the tooth more brittle and more likely to fracture.
Sign/Symptom:
- Every molar/permolar tooth that has had a root canal should be protected with a Dental crown.
- If it is not protected, the tooth will break down to the gumline and will require extraction.
4. Severe Wear and Erosion
If you suffered acidic erosion (from soft drinks or acid reflux) or have had a habit of grinding your teeth, then significant wear can occur to the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Sign/Symptom:
- Significant shortening of the teeth.
- Your dentist has pointed out severe attrition (flattening) of the tooth cusps.
The Dental crown repairs the original height and nature of the tooth so as to protect it from further deterioration.
5. Correcting Severe Aesthetic Problems
A tooth could be misaligned, darkly stained, or the tooth could be slightly tilted. A crown can greatly improve the appearance in these situations. Most of the dentists choose porcelain crown, in case aesthetics is the major concern of the patient. This crown appears to be part of the natural dentition.
Sign/Symptom:
- You are not satisfied with the color, shape, or alignment of a tooth.
- If you have an existing crown that is old, broken, leaky, or is causing continued decay underneath, you will need a crown replacement.
Convenient Same-Day Technology
Today, many prominent dental offices, offering a same day crown in Santa Ana, utilize contemporary CAD/CAM technology. In other words, we can scan your tooth, design, mill, and cement your new crown all in the same appointment.
Cost and Insurance
As always, cost is a major concern and many excellent practices offer affordable dental crowns. They provide payment plans that are flexible by maximizing insurance benefits and utilizing cost efficient technology all on site.
In The End
A dental crown is an essential protection and ultimately preserves your tooth for a long period. Never let the early signs of severe wear or damage go unattended, waiting can result in losing your natural tooth and the complicated expenses of extraction. Take time today to ask your Santa Ana dentist about the best material and process for your dental crown. With advancements in technology the same day crown in Santa Ana are no less than a blessing. Remember the goal is to keep your teeth functional, healthy, and enjoyable.
Why Choose Smyl OC Dentistry?
Smyl OC Dentistry specializes in the latest dental services, with an experienced dentist committed to improving your smile. Whether you need regular or specialized restorative services, our local dentists are here to serve your needs. We offer the best dental services using modern technology in Santa Ana.
specializes in the latest dental services, with an experienced dentist committed to improving your smile. Whether you need regular or specialized restorative services, our local dentists are here to serve your needs. We offer the best dental services using modern technology in Santa Ana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does a dental crown typically last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a dental crown can last between 10 to 15 years, and often much longer.
Q2. Does getting a dental crown hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the treatment itself. You may experience some mild sensitivity or soreness around the gum line for a few days afterward.
Q3. Can a tooth with a crown still get a cavity?
Yes, the crown only covers the visible part of the tooth. The underlying natural tooth structure remains susceptible to decay at the crown’s margin.