5 Signs You May Need Dental Crowns

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Your oral health is important for many reasons. Not only will it ensure your smile is appealing, but good oral health will also keep your teeth healthy and strong for eating and chewing. Of course, even with proper brushing and flossing, you may experience issues affecting your teeth. Fortunately, help is available with restoration treatments. Crowns, for example, can restore a tooth back to a healthy, strong state. This guide will help you understand if and when you may require a dental crown.

You're Having a Root Canal Procedure

Even though an estimated 15 million root canal treatments are performed each year, most people are not familiar with this procedure. Basically, this procedure involves removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent any further problems, such as pain and decay. After the root canal, your tooth will most likely require a dental crown.

Your tooth will be even more fragile after the root canal procedure since your dentist drilled and cleaned out the tooth to remove the infected pulp and decaying material. To strengthen the tooth and reduce the risk of damage, such as cracks and breaks, a crown must be placed on the tooth.

Your Tooth Is Cracked or Broken

A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth can be uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous. Food and bacteria may seep into damaged areas of the tooth, increasing the risk of infections, decay, and enormous pain. Although some cracks can be filled/sealed, others require a more involved treatment.

Placing a crown will restore the tooth back to a more appealing state. However, more importantly, the crown will protect the underlying tooth from infections, decay, and further dental complications.

It is important to note that severe cracks or breaks in the tooth may require an extraction. You and your dentist will need to determine whether or not the damaged tooth will even support a crown. If not, the tooth should be extracted.

Your Teeth Are Abnormally-Shaped or Stained

Living with teeth that are misshaped or severely stained is possible, but the appearance of your smile can affect your self-esteem and confidence. Even though there are many cosmetic restoration options available, such as veneers or tooth whitening treatments, dental crowns can also be used to improve the look of your teeth.

Talk to your dentist to determine if a dental crown will repair your specific issue. Also, if you want dental crowns to cover stained teeth, be sure to use caution when smoking, using tobacco products, drinking wine, and other habits that could be staining your teeth because they can also stain your crown.

You Have a Serious Cavity

Another sign that you could benefit from a dental crown is if you have a serious cavity.

In most cases, cavities can be filled, saving the tooth from further decay. Unfortunately, there are instances where a cavity is too large or too deep to be treated and repaired with a traditional filling.

A crown, however, will cover the cavity, preventing it from spreading. In addition, the crown will protect the interior of your tooth from food, plaque, and bacteria, protecting not only the affected tooth but also your oral health.

You Grind Your Teeth

Known as bruxism, the constant grinding of your teeth and clenching of your jaw can wreak havoc on the strength and underlying health of your teeth. Damage to your tooth enamel can occur quickly if you suffer from bruxism, so you may need a dental crown to help restore your teeth.

Without placing a crown over damaged teeth, the bruxism you live with may result in serious damage, such as cracks and breaks in the teeth. This can prevent you from speaking and chewing properly.

A crown will restore the tooth enamel with an additional layer of protection, reducing the risk of further damage and discomfort associated with your bruxism.

For more information about getting dental crowns, contact a clinic like AQ Denture and Dental Implant Center.


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