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Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
Dental crowns are also referred to as caps because they fit over the entire exterior of a tooth. First, the dentist removes any damaged or decayed areas of the tooth and files down the tooth just enough so that there is room for a crown to be bonded. Crowns are designed to look like a real tooth as the porcelain mimics enamel and is sturdy enough to withstand daily chewing, although some care and consideration must be taken into account to help the crown last as long as possible. Today on our newest blog, find out who might need a dental crown.
When do dentists recommend crowns to patients?
Dentists may recommend dental crowns to a patient in an effort to save a tooth from extraction. Crowns are also ideal when a tooth’s structural integrity is compromised and needs reinforcing to prevent additional damage. If a tooth can be saved or repaired with a bonding treatment or veneer, the dentist will recommend the least invasive option. Here are common reasons why dentists recommend crowns.
Severely decayed teeth
When a tooth is severely decayed, like more than half of the tooth is rotten, dentists may recommend a crown because there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure for filling material to bond to. However, if the decay has reached the tooth’s nerves and blood supply or an infection (abscess) is present, the patient may require a root canal. Root canals are always followed by placing a crown on the tooth because the tooth is structurally not strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Broken or fractured teeth
A broken or fractured tooth, specifically a molar, often requires a dental crown for the same reasons as a severely decayed tooth. If the fracture or break does not leave enough tooth structure for a bonding treatment, then a crown is required to save the tooth and make it structurally sound again. Patients with old metal fillings often need a crown when the filling falls out or part of the tooth splinters or breaks off, leaving very little tooth structure for a new filling.
Weak teeth
Teeth that become weakened either by their natural anatomy or from a root canal require a crown in order to make them sturdy enough to withstand daily chewing. Teeth can also become weak when a large filling falls out or if the tooth breaks.
Improve aesthetics
Stained teeth can be remedied with teeth whitening or veneers. However, sometimes crowns may be recommended if a tooth also has a large metal filling or has a crack or fracture. Additionally, patients that want to have their silver fillings removed may require crowns.
Dental implants
Dental implants are always topped with specially designed dental crowns that attach to an abutment, a connector piece between the implant and the crown. Therefore, if you opt for a dental implant, plan on getting a crown as the final step in your treatment.
Dental Crowns in Scotts Valley, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz, California
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we offer metal free dentistry, which means all porcelain crowns are available to restore your smile. We also only recommend crowns when absolutely necessary to save or restore a tooth to prevent the need for an extraction (having the tooth pulled). If you’d like to learn more about crowns or schedule a consultation, contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 438-4411.
