Why Do I Need a Crown?
A crown, a dental cap, is a protective shield placed over a damaged or missing tooth. It restores the tooth to its original size, shape, and function, safeguarding it from future damage and enhancing its appearance and oral health.
You may need a crown for a number of reasons. Your dentist may determine you need a crown if:
- A tooth is severely decayed, and there isn’t enough structure remaining for a filling.
- A tooth is severely damaged or broken and must be repaired to function properly.
- You need a bridge to replace missing teeth, which will be supported by a crown placed over healthy teeth.
- You have had a root canal and need the tooth covered to protect the interior of the tooth from reinfection.
- You have a weakened tooth that is at risk of fracturing.
- A fractured tooth needs to be restored.
- A tooth is discolored or misshapen.
- You have a dental implant that needs a restoration.
Why is a Dental Crown Better Than a Tooth Extraction?
If you have a decayed or damaged tooth and your dentist recommends a crown, they want to save your tooth rather than extract it. While you may think that extracting the tooth is simpler and less expensive, there are several reasons why removing a natural tooth should be a last resort. When you remove a tooth without replacing it, a cascade of problems can develop that negatively affect your oral health, including:
- Deterioration of the jawbone
- Collapse of the tooth socket
- Shifting of the remaining teeth, resulting in misalignment
- Difficulty eating and speaking clearly
The Crown Procedure
Getting a crown is a simple, minimally invasive procedure, usually requiring two visits to your dentist.
On your first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing any damage or decay and a portion of the exterior so there is room for the crown. An impression is made of the tooth to be used to create the crown. You will leave wearing a temporary crown over the tooth.
The permanent crown will be ready in about two weeks, and you will return to your dentist. They will remove the temporary and place the permanent crown, carefully checking the fit and smoothing any rough edges. Once your dentist is happy with the fit and function, the crown will be permanently cemented into place.