Why would a dentist recommend a dental crown?
There are many situations where we might recommend a dental crown. Usually, it's when a tooth is broken, weakened, or at risk of fracturing. We don't want you to be eating something hard and suddenly split your tooth.
Over time, teeth can develop cracks and become more susceptible to damage. A dental crown covers the tooth to help protect the remaining structure and restore its ability to function.
Crowns can be made from different materials, including zirconia, porcelain, and gold. The material we recommend depends on the location of the tooth, the condition of the remaining structure, and your individual needs.
We also commonly recommend crowns for back teeth after root canal treatment because those teeth may be more vulnerable to fractures, particularly when a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost.
How are dental crowns different for different types of teeth?
It really depends on the case. For front teeth, we may choose a different material because appearance is especially important. We want the crown to blend naturally with the surrounding teeth.
For back teeth, we also have to consider the amount of chewing pressure the restoration needs to withstand. The goal is to choose a material that provides an appropriate balance of strength, function, and appearance for that particular tooth.
Can front tooth crowns look natural?
Absolutely. Modern dental materials and laboratory techniques allow us to create crowns that closely resemble natural teeth.
We can customize the color, shape, size, and other characteristics of the crown to help it blend with the surrounding teeth. Even when we're replacing the visible portion of a single front tooth, we can work to achieve a natural-looking result.
Can a root canal and a crown be done in one visit?
In some cases, a root canal and crown can be completed in a short period of time, but I generally prefer to evaluate how the tooth responds after root canal treatment before placing the final crown.
If there was an infection or significant inflammation around the tooth, we may want to allow some time for symptoms to improve. This can also give us an opportunity to identify any concerns that need to be addressed before the permanent restoration is placed.
Same-day crowns can be appropriate in certain situations, but speed isn't always the most important consideration. The timing depends on the condition of the tooth and the treatment being performed.
What is the procedure for getting a dental crown?
When you come into the office, we'll review the procedure with you and answer any questions you have. Depending on your treatment plan, we may also discuss comfort options such as nitrous oxide or sedation.
We typically begin by numbing the area with local anesthetic. Then we prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damaged structure and shaping it to accommodate the crown while preserving as much healthy tooth as appropriate.
Next, we take an impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth. That information is sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown is fabricated based on the planned shape, fit, and color.
A temporary crown is commonly placed while the permanent restoration is being made. Once the final crown is ready, we'll have you return so we can evaluate its fit, appearance, and bite before cementing it into place.
Is it painful to have a dental crown placed?
Getting a dental crown is generally a comfortable procedure because we use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. You may feel some pressure during preparation, but significant pain shouldn't be expected.
Some patients experience temporary sensitivity or tenderness after the procedure. This can happen because the tooth and surrounding tissues have been worked on, and it usually improves as the area settles.
One reason I prefer laboratory-made crowns in many cases is that the temporary crown gives us an opportunity to see how the tooth responds before placing the final restoration. If the tooth develops symptoms during that period, we can evaluate them before moving forward.
If you experience significant or persistent pain after crown preparation or placement, contact the office so we can determine what's causing it.
What causes tooth pain under a crown?
There are several possible reasons for pain under a dental crown. Sometimes the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Other times, the discomfort may be related to the bite, decay around the crown, a crack in the tooth, or the surrounding gum tissues.
Even a tooth that has already received root canal treatment can develop problems involving the tissues around its roots. That's why we need to examine the area and identify the cause before recommending treatment.
What can be done about cavities under a dental crown?
If decay develops around or underneath a dental crown, we'll need to evaluate how much of the tooth is affected and whether the existing restoration can still be used.
In many cases, replacing the crown is the appropriate treatment. We remove the existing crown, clean out the decay, and determine whether enough healthy tooth structure remains to support another restoration.
Sometimes a small area of decay may be repairable without replacing the entire crown, but that depends on the location and extent of the problem.
It's also important to maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits because the natural tooth underneath a crown can still develop cavities.
When should you schedule a dental crown procedure?
There are many situations where a dental crown may be recommended. Sometimes a patient comes in because they've broken part of a tooth while eating. Other times, we identify a weakened tooth during a routine examination.
A tooth with several large fillings or extensive decay may no longer have enough healthy structure to support another filling. In those situations, a crown may provide additional protection.
We also frequently recommend crowns after root canal treatment on molars and premolars because these teeth experience significant chewing forces and may be at increased risk of fracture.
If your dentist has recommended a crown, it's important to understand why the tooth needs protection and whether delaying treatment could increase the risk of additional damage.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (832) 662-8466 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!