How Do I Know if I Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shape covering that encapsulates your natural tooth and can provide a natural appearance. Crowns can be made from stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, resin, gold, or a combination of these materials.
Do I Really Need a Crown?
Your dentist may suggest you get a crown in the following situations:
- To hold a cracked tooth together
- To repair a severely worn tooth
- To rebuild a broken tooth
- To cover a dental implant
- To support a dental bridge
- To give a severely stained or irregular-shaped tooth a cosmetically pleasing appearance
- To support a tooth with a large filling
What Happens If I Don’t Get a Crown?
The following are possible scenarios of waiting to get a crown:
- There could be further damage to your tooth if you wait too long to get a crown
- Your tooth could crack, and you then would need a crown
- Rarely, you may need a root canal to save the tooth
- Your tooth could split, making it necessary for a crown or possible extraction
Are Root Canals Always Necessary When Getting a Crown?
A root canal is not always necessary before getting a crown. A root canal is only necessary if the tooth is infected or inflamed.
Can You Put a Crown on a Broken Tooth?
Even if a large portion of your tooth breaks off, your dentist can file the remaining tooth structure down and cover it with a crown. This saves your natural tooth from having to be extracted, which should be avoided if possible. Your dentist can explain what type of crown will deliver the best look and durability.
Are Crowns Bad for Teeth?
You should only consider getting a crown if you’re at risk of losing your natural tooth or if your natural tooth is severely misshapen or discolored. The advantages of getting a crown outweigh the risks of not treating your damaged tooth.
Can You Put a Crown Over a Filling?
If you opt for a crown, your dentist will probably remove any old fillings before building up your natural tooth with a new filling material and then permanently cementing the crown.
Do Dental Crowns Hurt?
You will receive numbing agents and anesthetics to completely numb the tooth receiving the crown. After the procedure, you may feel tooth sensitivity for several weeks.
How Bad Can My Tooth Be and Still Get a Crown on It?
Even if your tooth is broken off at the gum line but the root is intact, your dentist can perform a root canal and then place a post into the tooth that can be built up with filling material and then covered with a crown.
Do I Need to Replace a Crown if It Falls Off?
Take your crown to the dentist to have them examine it. If it’s undamaged, it can be cemented back in place. If it’s broken, you’ll need a new crown.
How Long Will a Crown Last?
Depending on the material it’s made from and your oral hygiene habits, a crown can last anywhere from five to 15 years.
If you think you may be a candidate for a dental crown or for more information, make an appointment today in one of our many convenient New York area offices. We have offices open seven days a week with extended weekday hours for your convenience, and we welcome walk-ins.
