4 Important Reasons Not to Delay Getting a Crown on a Tooth
A great smile comes from healthy dental habits, routine dental care, and timely dental treatment. If your dentist has recommended a crown, don’t delay the restoration process. The crown will protect your tooth and might just save your smile. Here’s what you need to know.
A dental crown is a restoration that covers the visible part of the tooth. You might need a crown if you have a large filling, a broken tooth, a cracked tooth, or a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment. Crowns are also used to cover dental implants or support dental bridges.
Badly damaged teeth are vulnerable. For example, a large filling or root canal therapy can weaken the overall structure of the tooth, leaving it prone to cracking or breaking. Cracks and fractures are easily penetrated by oral bacteria, which can lead to infections.
You might be tempted to procrastinate when it comes to getting the restoration, but this can lead to worse dental issues. We can give you four great reasons to schedule that crown appointment today.
1. A Source of Infection
As mentioned, damaged teeth are more vulnerable to decay and infection. The bacteria can reach the internal structures of the tooth, necessitating root canal treatment. With a crown, the damaged tooth structure is removed, and the crown is placed over the tooth. It is securely bonded into place, making it harder for bacteria to access the tooth.
2. Causes Future Damage
The tooth’s structure can be compromised by chips, cracks, and other damage. Even a large filling can weaken a tooth. The crown covers the tooth with strong, durable porcelain to prevent additional damage. This is especially important if you’ve undergone a root canal treatment, which can leave teeth brittle.
3. Leads to Oral Irritation
The rough edges of a cracked or broken tooth can snag sensitive cheek and lip tissues. You might find yourself struggling with painful fissures and sores as a result of the damaged tooth catching on soft tissues. A crown, on the other hand, will cover the entire tooth with smooth porcelain and make your tooth easier to clean, too.
4. Hurts Your Smile
Whether your tooth is broken or decayed, it can affect the way your smile looks and functions as well as your confidence. Porcelain closely matches the natural look and feel of dental enamel and will restore your tooth beautifully and effectively. No one will know it’s there!
Caring for Your New Crown
A crown is typically placed in two dental visits. At the first dental visit, the tooth will be prepared to receive the crown, a process that involves removing damaged tissue and shaping the tooth. The dentist will take impressions to design your new crown. At the next visit, the crown’s fit and appearance will be checked, and it will be installed using a strong dental adhesive.
Caring for your new crown is much like caring for your natural teeth. While porcelain does not decay, the border between the tooth and the restoration can still be affected by oral bacteria. Brush and floss as recommended, being careful to clean along the gumline to avoid inflammation and irritation.
If your tooth has been compromised by decay or dental injury, don’t delay. A crown will protect and preserve the remaining tooth and keep your smile looking its best.
