Dental crowns are essential appliances that can preserve a broken, decayed, or root canal-treated tooth.
Many patients may believe that extraction is a better choice than receiving a dental crown. However, most dentists encourage patients to receive crowns when they meet the criteria to do so. This blog explains why dentists prefer installing crowns, if possible, and how the process works.
When Crowns Are Appropriate
Sufficient Healthy Tooth Material
A crown needs a certain amount of healthy tooth surface to adhere to. If you do not have enough tooth material left, you may be able to undergo crown lengthening to increase the surface area and give the crown room to attach.
Strong Roots
A crown needs a robust root system. If you have root resorption or a cracked tooth that goes below the gumline, you may need an extraction. A stable root canal-treated tooth can easily receive a crown.
Advantages of Dental Crowns Compared to Extraction
Preserve the Tooth's Root Structure
A healthy root system protects your jawbone from deterioration. If you extract a tooth, you may have bone mass issues.
Maintain Tooth Alignment
If you extract a tooth and fail to replace it, your teeth may drift into the open space. Your teeth could lose their natural alignment, becoming crossed and crowded.
Protect Oral Health
A gap in your smile can not only interfere with your appearance and self-confidence but also damage your oral health. Plaque and food may collect in the gap between misaligned teeth, raising your chances of developing gum disease and further tooth decay.
Less Costly Than a Replacement
Many patients are surprised to learn that a tooth extraction and replacement costs significantly more than a crown. Most dental insurance policies also offer more coverage for crowns than for extractions. Bridges and implants cost considerably more out-of-pocket than crowns.
The Dental Crown Process
Your dentist will assess whether your tooth can receive a crown or whether it needs to be extracted. Most dentists prefer a conservative approach, meaning that they would instead provide a crown than extract a tooth if at all possible.
Your dentist will choose your crown material based on your specific needs. Most patients opt for tooth-colored crowns to better match their smiles, but some patients prefer gold or metal crowns, especially on the molars.
Using an intraoral camera, the doctor takes digital impressions of the tooth to shape the exterior. They provide local anesthesia before proceeding. The doctor removes decayed areas and smooths broken edges to accommodate the crown and then takes another set of impressions. The dentist uses this information to design your final crown.
At Oak Road Dentistry, you have the option of receiving a same-day CEREC crown that provides as much durability as a traditional crown. The CEREC system allows in-house design and fabrication of your crown, generally taking no more than two hours to complete.
After the crown is ready, the dentist checks it for the proper fit and makes adjustments if necessary. When your bite feels natural, your dentist will cement it in place.
Caring For Your Crown
If you invest in a new dental crown, you will want to ensure that it stays healthy for many years to come. Brush and floss as your dentist recommends. Ensure that you floss well around the crown every day. Keep every dental appointment and receive periodic digital X-rays to check the crown's health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long do crowns last?
A dental crown typically lasts about 10 to 15 years before it needs replacement due to normal wear and tear. However, if you take excellent care of your crown, it may last for decades.
Does a crown hurt more than a filling?
Many patients feel uneasy about the prospect of getting a crown, but dentists reassure them that crown installation is a comfortable procedure. Dentists provide local anesthesia to eliminate any discomfort during the process.
Call Oak Road Dentistry
A dental crown can protect a healthy tooth from extraction. If you have any questions about whether you should receive a crown or tooth extraction, please call our Snellville, GA, office at 770-985-9559. We can schedule an examination to check your tooth and help you make this critical decision.