When to Consider a Dental Crown
If you have a deep cavity, a root canal, or a broken tooth, your dentist might recommend a dental crown. This is a type of dental restoration that can protect your tooth and prevent it from breaking. You might wonder what a dental crown is, what the benefits are, and, most importantly, whether it’s the right choice for you.
As with anything pertaining to your dental health, you should consult with your dentist before making any final decisions. Here’s some of the information you need to start you off so you can have a discussion with Dr. Goodman or your own dentist to decide when you should consider a dental crown.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a tooth-shaped covering for your tooth. It will look similar to your other teeth, as your dentist will carefully match it in size, shape, and even color if you choose tooth-colored materials. It will also allow you to bite down naturally; part of the process is to create impressions that will allow your dentist to fabricate the crown to fit perfectly.
A crown goes on top of an existing tooth or a dental implant. Crowns can also function as the endpoints of a bridge, which is a popular option to replace a tooth after extraction. Your natural tooth will be shaped and smoothed so the crown will fit neatly on top. Dental crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, ceramic, or a combination of these.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
The benefits of a dental crown include longevity and appearance. If you choose a crown made of anything other than 100% metal, it will closely match your existing teeth. According to The Cleveland Clinic, crowns last up to 15 years with good care. Another nice benefit is that crowns are easy to take care of. Simply brush and floss it like any other tooth in your mouth.
While crowns are a great choice for many people, it’s important to know that you might have some increased sensitivity in the early days after having your crown placed. This is particularly true if you have not had a root canal on that tooth. It’s also possible to chip, crack, or knock off the crown, so you do need to be careful with it and not bite down on hard, non-food objects. If your crown becomes loose, see your dentist to have it re-cemented.
Should I Get a Dental Crown?
Whether to consider a dental crown is a discussion you should have with your dentist. Some reasons you might consider a crown include having a broken tooth, wanting to cover a discolored tooth, having a root canal, and having a large filling in the tooth that’s leaking or needs to be replaced.
Some questions you might want to discuss with your dental professional include:
- How much will the crown cost?
- Will dental insurance pay for some or all of the crown?
- Will I need a root canal before having my crown placed?
- Is the tooth underneath the crown in good condition and expected to last?
- What material do you recommend for my crown and why?
- Do you expect that I’ll have sensitivity after it’s placed?
Your dentist’s answers to these questions can help you determine whether a crown is the right choice for you.
Get to Know Dr. Joseph Goodman
If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist who will be able to tell you the benefits and drawbacks of having a dental crown placed, get in touch with Dr. Joseph Goodman, Top Beverly Hills Dentist. He’s treated many beauty pageant contestants and has shared his knowledge by lecturing in places such as Bahrain, Germany, London, and Dubai. He’s also been voted “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist” for several years. Visit his website or call the office at (424) 344-4597 to schedule an appointment.