When Dental Crowns Are Necessary?

Many indirect and direct restorations are available in dentistry for repairing damaged teeth. While frequently used interchangeably, they are not the same. It means that when a dentist in Scarborough, ON recommends getting dental crowns, it is a completely different matter from when he recommends getting dental veneers.

What Are Dental Crowns?

They are dental restorations that repair damaged structural frameworks of teeth after dental trauma and injuries. Dental crowns feature different types of materials that can offer a sturdy enough framework to replace teeth enamel. In most cases, tooth crowns feature porcelain material. A dental expert customizes the material to form a tooth-shaped appliance that mimics the enamel of your natural teeth. The dental appliance then covers the entire tooth crown to substitute for the damaged framework.

Dental crowns in Scarborough, ON, have helped dentists restore many patients’ smiles over the years, thanks to their versatility. Since dental crowns encapsulate the entire tooth, you may only need tooth crowns to restore all your dental flaws.

How Do Dental Crowns Work?

Whether a metal-based or porcelain crown, dental crowns work the same way. They replace the whole top part of your tooth with new material. Porcelain crowns are very popular because they are tooth-colored. It means that a dentist can match your oral crown to the color of your natural teeth for a natural-looking result.

The installation process, however, maybe a little invasive for some patients. Although surgery is unnecessary, the dentist has to shave your tooth enamel to make room for a dental crown. Most of the enamel will be damaged anyway, so it should not bother you too much when the dentist trims more of the tooth. The good news is that the porcelain crown replaces the removed enamel for a fully functional tooth.

Dentists use dental cement to adhere the crowns to natural teeth, then lasers to harden or cure the dental cement. The process isn’t typically complex. However, you may need two dental visits to complete it. The reason is that dental crowns need some time for preparation in the dental laboratory, usually about two weeks. Meanwhile, our dentists at Finch East Dental Care will place a temporary crown over the tooth as you wait for your oral crown to be ready.

When Do You Need Dental Crowns?

Even though they are popular in restorative dentistry, not all procedures in dentistry necessitate using dental crowns. Some of the instances that would dictate getting a tooth crown are:

1. Cracked or broken tooth – instead of pulling out the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant, your dentist may recommend dental crowns. This way, you keep your natural tooth, but with a new appearance.
2. Holding a tooth filling in place – after dental decay or a cavity, one of the standard treatments is tooth fillings. However, when the filling material is too big, it may weaken the structure of your tooth over time. The dentist in Scarborough, ON may recommend placing a dental crown over it to hold the tooth in place.
3. Strengthening a weak tooth – patients often have weak teeth due to enamel thinning, dental injuries, or excessive teeth grinding. Regardless of the cause, a weak tooth is susceptible to many dental issues. A dentist may advocate for dental crowns as solutions for strengthening the tooth.
4. Covering dental implants – implants are oral appliances for replacing missing teeth. Usually, dental implants replace only the roots of teeth. Therefore, to complete the treatment, the artificial tooth requires a crown. While dentures and dental bridges may serve the role, sometimes dental crowns are the most effective for covering dental implants. It is more so viable for single implants, as opposed to multiple missing teeth in a row.
5. Covering a tooth after root canal therapy – a root canal procedure treats the insides of a tooth. After the treatment, the tooth structure may not be strong enough to withstand regular chewing. As such, your dentist in Scarborough, ON may recommend getting a dental crown over the treated tooth.
6. Stained teeth – although there are multiple alternatives for whitening your teeth, you can still opt for dental crowns to achieve the same goals. It is especially the case for patients who have stubborn stains throughout their teeth, including the backsides.