4 Signs You May Need a Dental Crown
If you have a damaged or compromised tooth, you may want to consider getting a dental crown. Dental crowns are durable caps that protect tooth structure from further harm. With proper aftercare, a dental crown can last for many years. In addition to traditional crowns fashioned at a dental lab, Gooch Family Dental offers same-day crowns using CEREC® technology.
If you’re wondering if crowns are right for you, our Birmingham, AL, dentists can assess your candidacy for dental crowns during a consultation. Below are four reasons why someone may need a dental crown.
1. Severe Tooth Decay
Untreated cavities can affect a substantial amount of a tooth’s structure. In these cases, a dentist needs more than just a filling to treat severe tooth decay. When inlays and onlays are insufficient, a dental crown may be the ideal option to save the tooth from extraction.
2. Damaged Teeth
Dental fillings are inadequate to treat traumatic dental injuries. These severe chips, cracks, and fractures can affect the fundamental structure of a tooth. If your teeth are broken, a customized crown can be a solution to your dental health problems. We can use tooth-colored material for your crowns in order to address any aesthetic issues as well.
3. Root Canal Infection
Inside of each tooth is a chamber filled with dental pulp, which is a combination of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. When a tooth is severely damaged or a cavity goes untreated, bacteria can come in contact with this soft tissue. When the dental pulp is infected, that is known as a root canal infection. A root canal infection can be painful. If not treated, it can cause a dental abscess and the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.
Root canal therapy involves the removal of the diseased dental pulp and the sterilization of the emptied pulp chamber. A dental crown is used to cap the treated tooth. The crown restore the ability to bite and chew, and protects the underlying tooth structure from further damage.
4. Missing Teeth
A missing tooth can lead to a gap in your smile. This gap may make you feel self-conscious, and it can also cause a speech impediment and affect your ability to eat certain foods.
Crowns can help with single-tooth replacement in different ways. Here are two options that our Birmingham dentists may recommend:
- Dental Bridge - A bridge consists of a false tooth that is bookended by crowns. The crowns cap the teeth on either side of the gap, anchoring the false tooth in place.
- Dental Implants - Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Once the implant has fused with the bone (a process known as osseointegration), it is stable enough to support a custom dental crown.
Book an Appointment
Dental crowns can restore the function, strength, and appearance of your teeth. If you believe that crowns may be the right treatment option for you, the dentists at Gooch Family Dental can help. Call our Birmingham, AL, office at (205) 545-8001 or send us a message online to schedule an appointment.