Crowns are the ultimate multi-taskers of dentistry, addressing several common dental problems such as cosmetic damage, severe tooth decay, and tooth loss. In some cases a dental crown can make the difference between saving or having to extract a badly damaged tooth.
Jeremy Haider, DMD, and our staff at Haider Family Dentistry offer crowns and other cosmetic and general dentistry services at our office in Salem, Oregon. Here, we discuss the uses of a dental crown.
When is a dental crown necessary?
Whether you need to replace a missing tooth, have extensive tooth decay, or want to make cosmetic improvements to your smile, crowns are the most versatile dental restorations available.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, over 36 million adults are missing all of their natural teeth, and about 120 million are missing at least one tooth. A crown can replace a missing tooth as part of a bridge, or a dental implant.
Dental crowns are the most common restorative procedure, and over 2 million implant supported crowns are produced every year. But replacing one or more missing teeth is just one of the applications for dental crowns. Crowns can also:
Save a tooth from severe tooth decay
If a cavity gets too big, it may become infected and expose the root to bacteria, putting the tooth and your oral health at risk. When a cavity is too large to be filled with a standard dental filling, a crown can replace the lost portion of the tooth and save the remaining healthy portion from extraction.
Provide cosmetic improvement
Crowns are also known as caps because they cover a damaged, discolored, or misshapen tooth. They’re an ideal restoration in certain cosmetic and functional improvements. If a tooth breaks below the root or you have significant damage that can’t be fixed with veneers or cosmetic bonding, a crown might be the best option.
Reinforce a weak tooth
Sometimes a tooth can fracture or become weak from previous dental work, making it vulnerable to future damage. In this scenario, a crown can help support the tooth and keep the damage from getting worse and making more intensive and expensive dental work necessary down the line.
Signs you might need a dental crown
After performing a comprehensive dental exam, Dr. Haider recommends the best restoration or dental service for your situation. You may not necessarily notice symptoms of tooth decay in the beginning, so the best thing to do is to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Make an appointment right away if you have any mouth pain, swelling, or signs of infection.
For more information about crowns and other dental restorations and treatments, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Haider at our office in Salem, Oregon, or request an appointment online.