A tooth can look fairly normal and still be struggling underneath. Maybe an old filling has started to fail, or you feel a sharp twinge every time you bite into something firm. These can be among the signs you may need a porcelain crown, although only a dental examination can tell you what is actually happening. A crown is not necessary for every damaged tooth, but it can be an option when the remaining tooth needs more protection than a filling can provide.
What Does a Porcelain Crown Do?
A crown covers the visible portion of a tooth, helping restore its shape, strength, and function. Porcelain is also valued for its tooth-like appearance, which can make it useful when the restoration will be visible when you smile.
If you are considering porcelain crowns, your dentist will first examine the tooth and determine how much healthy structure remains. X-rays may also be needed to look for decay, damage, or other concerns that are not obvious from the surface.
Here are seven situations that may lead to a conversation about a crown.
1. Your Tooth Is Cracked
A crack can affect the tooth’s integrity by weakening it, even if portions of it still look healthy. You might start feeling some discomfort when you eat, particularly when you release your bite. The sensitivity may also come and go during the day.
Not every crack requires the same treatment. Its location, depth, and effect on the tooth all matter. A crown may be considered when covering the tooth could help protect weakened structure from further damage.
2. You Have a Large Filling
Fillings replace tooth structure lost to decay, but a very large filling can leave less natural tooth surrounding it. Over time, those remaining walls may become more vulnerable to cracking or breaking.
Porcelain dental crowns can sometimes provide greater coverage when there is no longer enough healthy tooth structure for another filling to offer suitable support.
3. Part of Your Tooth Has Broken Off
Biting a hard food or experiencing an injury can cause part of a tooth to fracture. Sometimes this is immediately painful. In other cases, you may simply notice a rough edge or realize that part of the tooth is missing.
A dentist in SW Calgary can assess how much damage has occurred and whether the tooth can be restored. The right treatment will depend on how much healthy structure remains and whether the inner part of the tooth has been affected.
4. Your Tooth Is Worn Down
The structure of your tooth can be affected due to grinding, clenching, erosion, or just years of wear and tear. A worn tooth may look different, feel sensitive, or be less effective.
Restoring a worn tooth is not simply about appearance. Your bite and the reason for the wear need to be considered as well, particularly if grinding or clenching is still happening.
5. You Have Had Root Canal Treatment
A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment may sometimes need a crown afterwards, particularly when it is a back tooth that handles significant chewing pressure.
The amount of remaining tooth structure and the tooth’s location help determine what restoration is appropriate. Your dentist will assess these factors before recommending the next step.
6. Your Tooth Keeps Hurting When You Bite
You may experience pain while chewing because of several factors such as cracks, decay, a loose restoration, or inflammation. You should also know that discomfort alone does not immediately mean there is a need for a crown.
Those of you searching for a dentist near you should have persistent biting pain assessed rather than avoiding that side of your mouth and hoping it settles on its own.
7. The Tooth Has Significant Cosmetic Damage
A badly discoloured, misshapen, or damaged tooth can sometimes affect how comfortable you feel about your smile. In certain cases, a crown may improve both appearance and function.
However, less extensive cosmetic treatments may be appropriate when the tooth is otherwise healthy. Your dentist can explain the options before any tooth structure is removed.
Have a Damaged Tooth Checked
A crack, broken filling, or persistent discomfort does not necessarily mean you need a crown, but it does deserve a closer look. Finding out what is causing the problem is the first step towards choosing an appropriate treatment.
Contact Bow Trail Dental to schedule an appointment with us. We can examine your tooth, discuss what we find, and explain the treatment options available to you.
FAQs:
How long can a porcelain crown last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan. How long a crown lasts depends on factors such as your oral hygiene, bite, diet, grinding habits, and the condition of the supporting tooth.
Is getting a crown painful?
Local anaesthetic is generally used while the tooth is prepared. Some temporary sensitivity or tenderness may occur afterwards, but significant or persistent pain should be reported.
Can a crown get a cavity?
The crown itself cannot develop decay, but the natural tooth underneath can. Decay may form around the crown margin, making daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits important.
Does every cracked tooth need a crown?
No. Treatment depends on the type and extent of the crack and the condition of the tooth. An examination is needed to determine the appropriate approach.