Why Severely Damaged Teeth Need Dental Crowns

Dental crowns play a very important role in restoring severely damaged teeth, offering functional support and aesthetic enhancement. When a tooth suffers extensive decay or trauma, a dental crown can often be the solution to preserve its structure and function.

Understanding Dental Crowns

Definition and Purpose of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are prosthetics designed to cap or encircle a damaged tooth entirely. They are made to cover the whole visible tooth above the gum line. Dental crowns in Edmonton, AB, are primarily used to restore the tooth’s size, strength, form, and appearance. They provide structural support to a tooth significantly compromised due to decay, fracture, or other dental conditions.

Dental crowns serve multiple functions:

• Restoration of Tooth Function: Crowns restore the functionality of a tooth by providing a durable chewing surface.
• Protection: They protect weakened or damaged teeth from further deterioration and fracture.
• Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns enhance the appearance of teeth by covering stains, discolorations, or misshapen teeth, enhancing the overall smile aesthetics.

Materials Used in Making Crowns

Depending on the requirements and preferences of the patient, dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, each of which has specific benefits:

• Porcelain: Porcelain crowns are famous for their natural tooth-like appearance and translucency, making them suitable for front teeth.
• Ceramic crowns also provide excellent aesthetics and are highly biocompatible, suitable for patients with metal allergies.
• Metal Alloys: Crowns made from metal alloys, such as gold or platinum, offer exceptional durability and strength, making them ideal for back teeth that require heavy chewing forces.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): These crowns merge the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, offering durability and a natural appearance.

How Crowns Protect and Strengthen Severely Damaged Teeth

Mechanics of How Crowns Support Damaged Teeth

Dental crowns cover the entire visible tooth above the gum line and function as a protective shell. By encasing the tooth, crowns distribute the biting force evenly across it, preventing it from further fracturing or breaking under pressure. This protective mechanism is crucial for teeth with large fillings or after root canal treatment.

Role of Crowns in Preventing Further Damage

In addition to protecting damaged teeth, crowns seal off cracks or weakened areas of the tooth, preventing bacteria from entering and causing decay. By maintaining the integrity of the tooth structure, crowns help preserve natural tooth tissue and reduce the need for more extensive dental procedures in the future. Hence, this answers why severely damaged teeth need dental crowns.

When Dental Crowns are Necessary

Dental crowns serve various purposes in restoring and protecting teeth:

1. To Restore Badly Decayed Tooth: Dental crowns are often recommended for teeth with extensive decay that cannot be effectively restored with a filling. The decayed enamel is removed, and the remaining tooth is shaped to receive a custom-made crown, providing strength and protection against further damage.
2. To Replace a Large Worn-Out/Damaged Filling: When an existing filling becomes too large or damaged, a crown may be necessary to restore the tooth’s structure and prevent potential fractures. Crowns offer superior protection than fillings, especially for teeth with extensive filling material.
3. To Repair a Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth: Crowns are a viable solution for teeth that are damaged due to trauma or usual wear or tear. They cover and strengthen the damaged tooth, enabling normal functionality and aesthetics.
4. To Protect a Tooth Post-Root Canal: After root canal therapy involves removing infected tissue and filling the tooth’s interior, a crown is often placed to protect and strengthen the tooth. Crowns are particularly suitable for molars and premolars that endure significant chewing forces.
5. For Cosmetic Purposes: If your teeth are badly stained or malformed and cannot be restored with veneers or dental bonding, you may consider getting dental crowns. By covering the tooth entirely, crowns enhance the smile’s aesthetics while providing structural support.

Benefits of Timely Crown Placement

Advantages of Addressing Tooth Damage Promptly

Timely placement of a dental crown offers several benefits:

• Immediate Restoration of Tooth Function: Crowns restore the ability to chew and bite comfortably, improving overall oral function.
• Preservation of Natural Tooth Structure: Crowns help preserve natural tooth structure by stabilizing and protecting damaged teeth, keeping the need for more invasive treatments.

Long-term Benefits of Crown Placement

The long-term benefits of dental crowns include:

• Enhanced Oral Health: Crowns promote oral hygiene by protecting teeth from decay and maintaining gum health around the treated area.
• Aesthetic Improvement: Crowns restore the appearance of damaged teeth, enhancing smile aesthetics and boosting self-confidence.

Potential Risks of Delaying Crown Placement

Consequences of Delaying Treatment for Damaged Teeth

Delaying the placement of a dental crown can have significant consequences:

• Increased Risk of Tooth Fracture: Without the protection of a crown, a damaged tooth is more susceptible to further fracture or breakage, which may require more extensive treatment.
• Deepening Decay: Untreated tooth decay can spread deeper into the tooth structure, potentially leading to infection and needing root canal therapy or tooth extraction.

Impact on Oral Health and Overall Well-being

The impact of delaying crown placement extends beyond dental health:

• Compromised Oral Function: A damaged tooth may affect chewing ability and overall oral function, impacting nutrition and quality of life.
• Psychological Impact: Dental issues can cause discomfort and self-consciousness, affecting confidence and social interactions.

Conclusion

Dental crowns are essential for protecting and preserving severely damaged teeth. They provide functional support and aesthetic improvement, restoring teeth to their natural form and function. If you suspect you may need a dental crown, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care promptly to avoid complications and ensure optimal oral health.

Are you in need of dental crowns in Edmonton, AB?

Contact Kensington Dental Clinic today to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team. Restore your smile and oral health with personalized care and advanced dental solutions.