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When are Dental Crowns Necessary?

Dental crowns are versatile and essential restorative treatments. For some patients, these become necessary in various situations to preserve and protect damaged teeth. This versatile restoration is critical to maintaining the health of many people’s smiles. They can protect and prevent further dental issues. 

When are Dental Crowns Necessary?

Strengthening Weakened Teeth

One main reason for dental crowns is to strengthen weakened teeth. Teeth that have extensive decay, large fillings, or root canal therapy can become fragile and prone to fractures. A dental crown provides a protective covering. This is because it encases the entire tooth to prevent further damage and restore its strength.

Restoring Severely Decayed Teeth

A dental crown becomes necessary when tooth decay exceeds what a dental filling can repair. Your dentist may use a crown to restore teeth with significant decay. Extensive decay can compromise the structural integrity of your tooth. Removing the decayed portion and capping the tooth with a crown restores the look and function of your tooth.

Protecting Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Teeth with cracks or fractures are vulnerable to further damage, infection, and pain. A dental crown is essential to stabilize the tooth and prevent the crack from worsening. The crown acts as a protective barrier. It will make sure that the tooth remains intact and functional.

Covering Discolored or Misshapen Teeth

Additionally, you can use dental crowns to address cosmetic concerns, such as severe tooth discoloration or irregular tooth shape. Crowns also provide a natural-looking covering that conceals imperfections and enhances the tooth’s appearance. This improvement can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem.

Supporting Dental Bridges

Dental bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to neighboring natural teeth. The supporting natural teeth are often fitted with dental crowns to provide stability and strength to the bridge. As a result, crowns ensure the bridge remains secure and functions effectively for chewing and speaking.

Completing Root Canal Therapy

After undergoing root canal therapy to remove infected or damaged tooth pulp, a dental crown can seal and protect the treated tooth. The crown restores the tooth’s structure, prevents recontamination, and allows for normal function.

Repairing Severely Worn Teeth

Teeth that are severely worn down due to bruxism (teeth grinding), acid erosion, or other factors may require dental crowns to rebuild and restore their shape. Crowns provide a durable and long-lasting solution to protect and preserve the remaining tooth structure.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns also play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and preventing further dental issues. Patients can enjoy several benefits:

Prevention of Tooth Loss

Furthermore, dental crowns help prevent the progression of decay or damage. They preserve the tooth and help avoid the need for extraction. This is also crucial for maintaining a full set of natural teeth and preventing gaps in the smile.

Restore Function

Weakened, cracked, or worn teeth can impair chewing and speaking abilities. Dental crowns also restore the tooth’s function. This allows for normal biting and speaking without discomfort or limitations.

Protection Against Infection

Cracks or fractures in teeth can provide entry points for bacteria. This can also lead to infection and abscesses. Dental crowns seal off these vulnerable areas. As a result, it should reduce the risk of infection and other complications.