Do you have damaged teeth? You may have a chipped tooth, tooth decay, or are in need of a large filling. Your dentist may either recommend getting a filling or a dental crown to protect the chipped or decayed area.
While you may be tempted to go for dental fillings as they are cheaper, it is better for you to get a dental crown instead. In this article, we will run you through the reasons why you should get a dental crown and how the price of this treatment is worth its convenience.
What Are Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, also referred to as caps, are dental prostheses that are used when a patient is suffering from a severely damaged tooth. They are usually placed on top of a tooth to mimic its shape and lock it in place.
Dental crowns are cemented over the tooth, with the aim of protecting the tooth from further damage, such as fracturing or breaking. While crowns provide aesthetic benefits, they also help to protect teeth from further damage, especially when it concerns damage from decay or trauma.
Dental crowns can help prevent infection and support damaged teeth. As they cover the decayed area, it helps prevent the spread of bacterial infection. They also preserve the teeth by conforming to their shape. This prevents the mouth from adapting to the shape of the damaged tooth and causing misalignments in the mouth.
How Do They Differ from Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are cheaper and less invasive. They can help with minor tooth damage or decay. They can help with small cavities in the tooth. A dental crown is usually used for severely damaged or weakened teeth.
Any dentist near you will tell you that the choice between a dental filling and a dental crown is up to the patient. While both can help protect the teeth, it takes different measures to keep these fillings and crowns in their best condition.
Also, at times a dental crown is necessary, such as after getting a root canal procedure. The teeth become brittle and weak after a root canal procedure. There is no blood supply to the tooth, and the nerve in the area is no longer functional. It is necessary to get a dental crown to protect the tooth.
Treatments That May Require Dental Crowns
If you have the following conditions, you may be better off with a dental crown:
- Damaged Teeth: If your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, it becomes vulnerable to infections and further breakage. A dental crown can help prevent it from worsening and protect your existing tooth.
- Severe Tooth Decay: If a decayed tooth goes untreated, it can start affecting the neighboring teeth and spreading the bacterial infection. It is best to get dental crowns to prevent the spread of this infection.
- Large and Older Fillings: If your tooth has older fillings that are too large, they may no longer be secure. It is better to get a dental crown that can replace this filling. It also keeps your teeth looking better and strengthens your teeth.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are the best treatment for severely damaged teeth. While dental crowns are more expensive than fillings, they are more durable and long-lasting as they are cemented over natural teeth. They are also better at preventing further damage caused by further decay and trauma.
Are you looking for a dentist in Raleigh? Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry offers dental crowns that can restore the shape, size, and strength of your teeth. Contact us to learn more!
