09 Jun 2022
Dental crowns are small, sturdy caps that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. These simple prosthetics have been around for thousands of years, but many people do not realize how versatile they are. Crowns can be used to solve a number of common dental problems, including some that are difficult to treat any other way. The issues listed below are just some of the many applications for these incredible dental enhancements.
Using Dental Crowns to Solve 7 Common Oral Health Problems
Large Fillings
If you have had significant cavities in the past, your dentist may have repaired those cavities with large dental fillings. This solution gets rid of the immediate problem, but it does not lead to good long-term outcomes. Large fillings weaken the tooth and may lead to breakage.
When it is time to have those large fillings replaced, your dentist may recommend that you get crowns on those teeth instead. This is an especially good idea if a filling covers more than half the tooth’s width or if the tooth has cracks around the filling’s margins, as these are signs that it may soon break.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Teeth that have sustained cracks or have broken in places can no longer stand up to the stresses of regular use. Dental crowns can restore their structure and stability, allowing you to chew and speak without fearing that you will cause further damage. In many cases, adding a tooth crown will strengthen the tooth enough to extend its lifespan by many years.
Enamel Repair
Tooth enamel is very strong, but it can be worn down by things like overconsumption of acidic foods, overzealous brushing, or teeth grinding. Since tooth enamel cannot be replaced, the only way to simulate the protection that the enamel once offered is to cover the tooth with a crown. The procedure involves removing much of the damaged enamel on the tooth, so your crowned tooth will be as strong as any other tooth when the process is complete.
Decayed Teeth
Teeth with extensive decay are severely structurally compromised. They may no longer have the strength to stay intact during chewing and speaking. Eventually, they are sure to crack or break. Covering these teeth with a crown instead of filling them with composite gives them additional structural strength. This provides them with enough durability to withstand the normal forces of daily usage. In many cases, applying a dental crown may be the only way to save a severely decayed tooth from extraction.
Damaged or Imperfect Teeth
Many people have one or two front teeth that they wish looked less out of place. Dental crowns can disguise minor problems like chips, cracks, or slight positional imperfections. They can also be used to alter a tooth’s size, shape, and colour. There are many different types of dental crowns available to help you achieve the exact look you want. Ask your dentist for guidance if you have a cosmetic dental problem you are interested in addressing with crowns. They can tell you which materials will produce the best results for your needs.
Uneven Bite
A tooth that is slightly smaller, larger, or differently shaped than its neighbours can significantly disrupt the equilibrium of your bite. A dental crown can alter the shape of your tooth to help it fit in with the others around it. This can relieve some of the discomfort caused by minor bite abnormalities. Your dentist will let you know if crowns are a viable option to address your bite problems or if more extensive treatment like orthodontics would be more appropriate.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you have worn down the enamel on your teeth, you may have trouble eating hot and cold foods without pain. This is because your enamel normally insulates the sensitive dentin and pulp inside your teeth from the harsh temperatures of your food and drink.
Since a dental crown covers those parts of the tooth the same way your enamel would, these prosthetics can sometimes help patients overcome tooth sensitivity. This is not a guaranteed result – in some cases, a tooth may become more sensitive after being crowned. However, people with persistent sensitivity problems may feel it is worth the risk.
Get Beautiful, Long-Lasting Dental Crowns
Dental crowns may have myriad possible uses, but only those that are expertly crafted and properly installed will be effective in the long run. At Trillium Smile Dentistry, we want you to look and feel your best after getting dental crowns. Call us today at 905-828-9894 or contact us using our online form to inquire about dental crown costs, learn more about the procedure, or book your appointment to receive a crown of your own.