Dental crowns are a dental restoration that is very common for the treatment of various dental issues. A dental crown protects the outer layer of a tooth, essentially acting as the enamel. When a tooth is damaged and needs a crown, a very small amount of enamel is removed from the outer surface of the tooth which allows room for the new crown to be fitted into place.
A dental crown ensures a tooth’s function and stability where the tooth may otherwise be extracted. Crowns are also almost always used to restore a tooth that has been treated with a root canal. Here are some indications for a full coverage dental crown.
Broken or Fractured Teeth
When a tooth is damaged from trauma or decay, the tooth can crack which can be very painful and cause discomfort when eating or sleeping. Teeth that are otherwise compromised by either a root canal or filling are more susceptible to fracture. Even if the patient does not feel pain with a fractured tooth, bacteria and debris can get into the inner workings of the tooth through the fracture. This can cause an infection in the pulp at which point the only treatment is root canal therapy.
A dental crown can be placed on a cracked tooth to protect the underlying layers from sensitivity and infection. The crown will also work to prevent pain when pressure is applied during eating or speaking. However, if a crack in the tooth extends beyond the gum line, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Advanced Decay
When left untreated, dental cavities can cause sensitivity and will only get worse over time. Most of the time, a cavity can be repaired with a filling but if the decay is very large or very deep, the only treatment option may be a crown. The crown will strengthen the tooth and protect the area from infection.
Additionally, another indication for a dental crown is to replace an existing crown. Sometimes, decay develops under an existing crown at which point the old crown needs to be taken off, the decay removed, and a new crown placed.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a treatment that can save an otherwise hopeless tooth and allow the patient to keep her natural teeth as long as possible. During a root canal, the tooth is opened up with a small access hole in which the doctor is able to access each canal to clean out infection and get the patient out of pain.
While a root canal can save a patient's tooth, it also leads to significant brittleness overtime. During the root canal, the pulp is removed from inside the tooth which is where the nerves and blood flow to the tooth are housed. The loss of blood flow makes the tooth brittle and susceptible to fracture. A dental crown is usually placed after a tooth has root canal treatment to ensure the integrity of the tooth and to keep it strong, reducing the risk of fracture.
Your dentist will be able to spot fractures in a tooth and provide the appropriate treatment. See your dentist as soon as you can if you suspect you may need a full coverage crown.