Dental crowns are restorations used to cover and restore selected teeth where there has been significant damage, decay or loss of tooth structure. They may also be used as part of a dental bridge or implant restoration.
If you have a damaged, heavily restored or root canal-treated tooth, a dentist can assess whether a crown or another restorative option may be appropriate.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a restoration that covers the prepared portion of a tooth. Whether a crown is appropriate depends on the amount and condition of remaining tooth structure, the bite, symptoms and the reason treatment is being considered.
Dental crowns may be used to restore selected damaged teeth, form part of a dental bridge or serve as the visible restoration attached to some dental implants.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown: Replace Large Fillings
A tooth with a large existing filling may have less remaining natural tooth structure. Depending on the condition of the tooth, restoration and bite, a crown or another restorative approach may be considered.
If a crown is planned, existing restorative material and damaged tooth structure may be removed as clinically required before the tooth is prepared for the restoration.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown: Complete a Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment may be used when the dental pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected and the tooth is otherwise suitable for treatment. The procedure involves accessing, cleaning, shaping and sealing the root canal system.
After root canal treatment, further restoration depends on the amount and condition of remaining tooth structure. A crown may be considered for some root canal-treated teeth, but it is not required in every case.
Some root canal-treated teeth may have reduced remaining tooth structure and may require a crown or another restoration depending on the tooth and clinical findings.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown: Restore a Structurally Compromised Tooth
Where decay or previous restorations have significantly reduced the amount of remaining tooth structure, a crown may be considered as part of the restorative treatment plan.
If a crown is planned, damaged or decayed tooth structure is removed as clinically required and the tooth is prepared. An impression or digital scan may then be used to design the restoration.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown: Complete a Dental Implant
A dental implant may be one option for replacing a missing tooth. Other options can include a dental bridge, denture or, in some circumstances, leaving the space unrestored.
After an appropriate healing period, an abutment and final restoration may be placed where clinically suitable. The timing and treatment sequence vary between patients.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown: A Broken or Cracked Tooth
A crown may be considered for selected broken or cracked teeth where the fracture pattern and remaining tooth structure are suitable. Tooth fractures can be associated with dental trauma, grinding or clenching, decay and reduced remaining tooth structure around large restorations.
A fractured tooth may cause sensitivity to temperature or pain during biting, although symptoms vary. If the dental pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be considered before the final restoration.
If a direct filling is not appropriate because of the extent or location of the damage, a crown may be one restorative option.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown: Hold a Dental Bridge in Place
A dental bridge may be considered for some missing teeth. Depending on the bridge design, crowns may be placed on supporting teeth and connected to one or more replacement teeth.
For some conventional bridge designs, the supporting teeth are prepared for crowns that support the replacement tooth or teeth.
What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure
Local anaesthetic may be used during crown preparation where appropriate for the individual procedure.
The tooth is prepared according to the type of crown planned and the amount of remaining tooth structure.
After preparation, an impression or digital scan may be taken to design the crown. Fabrication may take place through laboratory or digital workflows.
The fabrication time, need for a temporary restoration and number of appointments vary according to the crown type and treatment workflow.
Arrange an Assessment for a Damaged Tooth
If you have tooth sensitivity, a damaged tooth or concerns about an existing restoration, Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora can assess the tooth and discuss whether a crown or another treatment may be appropriate.
The dental team can explain the proposed treatment, alternatives, potential risks and ongoing care before treatment proceeds.
You can contact the Bundoora dental clinic to arrange an assessment.
