If you have a small cavity on one of your teeth, your first thought would likely be to get a filling. But when a tooth is badly damaged, a filling might not be enough. At this point, one of the first questions patients have is: Do I need a dental crown? Here are signs our Houston dentist looks for before suggesting one.
Reasons to Consider A Dental Crown
A dental crown is like a cap that covers the part of your tooth visible above the gumline. It’s different from a veneer that only covers the front surface. You may need a dental crown if:
There is severe decay
As strong as the tooth enamel is, it can weaken if you are at risk for cavities. What starts off as a small hole in the tooth can slowly break down its structure.
If a tooth has extensive decay that cannot be restored with a filling, we may recommend a crown. This helps keep the tooth functional.
Your tooth is cracked or fractured
A hard blow to your tooth may cause a crack to form in the tooth. Even if you don’t have any pain, that crack or fracture may cause complications later on.
Covering it with a dental crown at the right time can prevent infection and further damage.
You need a root canal
When the fracture or decay reaches deep into the pulp, you’ll need a root canal first. Once our dentist cleans and seals the inner part of the tooth, they will later place a crown to keep the tooth protected.
Worn down tooth surface
Teeth naturally wear down from biting and chewing forces. Patients who grind their teeth often notice this sooner than others.
Placing a crown can reinforce the tooth and restore lost tooth structure and height.
Cosmetic improvements
Dental crowns are for restorative purposes. But in some cases, we may recommend a crown to conceal a discolored or an oddly shaped tooth. It might be necessary if other cosmetic treatments are not working.
What to Do If You Suspect You Need A Dental Crown?
Those who have a large cavity or a tooth that is badly damaged need to get it checked first. When you visit our dentist in Houston, we will ask about the cause and carefully check how severe the damage is.
If needed, we will also take an X-ray of the tooth to assess whether the damage is reaching the pulp.
After taking these things into account, we will determine if you need a crown. We will also discuss the different types of crowns and which one of them would best meet your needs.
Ending Note
A dental crown has both restorative and cosmetic uses. But when you might need one depends entirely on your specific needs. Book a consultation with our dentist today at Hickerson Dental & Associates, DDS. PC to learn what works best for you. Call us at (713) 782-3123 for an appointment.