You might not think about them much, but a dental crown is like a superhero’s helmet for your tooth. It’s one of the handiest tools a dentist has because it can fix so many different problems. Basically, a crown is a custom-made cap that fits right over your natural tooth.
Dentists use crowns to fix a tooth’s strength, shape, and look. If a tooth is cracked, really worn down, or has a huge cavity that a regular filling can’t fix, a crown can save the day. A lot of people think crowns are just for older folks or to make a smile look better, but that’s not the whole story.
The truth is, you might need a crown at almost any age for all sorts of reasons. You could need one after a sports injury, to protect a tooth after a root canal, or just because you have a weak tooth that needs some extra backup. Knowing why crowns are used can help you take charge of your health and stop small problems from turning into much bigger ones later on.
When Would You Actually Need a Dental Crown?
You might need a dental crown for a bunch of different reasons. It’s not just something for older people, because you could get one at any age. Here’s a breakdown of the most common situations.
1. After a Root Canal
A root canal is a procedure that cleans out the infected inside of a tooth. Afterward, the tooth can become dry and brittle, kind of like a dead tree branch that’ll easily snap. To prevent that tooth from cracking every time you chew, your dentist places a crown over it like a protective helmet. This lets you use the tooth normally again without worrying about it breaking.
2. To Save a Weak Tooth
If a tooth is badly decayed, cracked, or worn down, it becomes weak. A large filling might help, but sometimes there’s just not enough healthy tooth left to hold the filling securely. In cases like this, a crown surrounds the entire tooth. The tooth will get back its strength and shape so you can bite and chew without causing more damage.
3. For Cosmetic Improvements
Sometimes teeth are severely discolored, misshapen, or don’t match the others. Veneers or whitening can help in some cases, but not when the issue is deep. A crown can completely cover a tooth to dramatically improve it, all while making the tooth stronger too.
4. To Hold a Dental Bridge in Place
If you’re missing a tooth, a dental bridge can fill that gap. But to hold the bridge in place, the teeth on either side of the gap need to be crowned. These crowns act like anchors or pillars that support the false tooth between them, making the bridge strong and stable.
5. After a Very Large Filling
If a cavity is really big, the filling needed to fix it can actually make the tooth weaker over time. Chewing a lot of pressure on such a tooth may cause it to crack. A crown helps distribute that pressure evenly and protects the tooth from breaking.
6. To Complete a Dental Implant
When a tooth is replaced with a dental implant, a crown is attached on top of it. This crown looks and works just like a real tooth, so you can eat, smile, and talk naturally.
7. You Cracked a Tooth
If you crack a tooth from chewing something hard, an accident, or even grinding your teeth at night, a crown can hold the pieces together like glue. It wraps around the whole tooth to keep the crack from getting worse and prevents bacteria from getting inside. The crown prevents a painful infection.
8. You Have Really Worn-Down Teeth
Some people unconsciously grind their teeth, which over time can wear teeth down short and flat. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue either. It can cause pain, sensitivity, and problems with your bite. Crowns can rebuild those teeth back to their normal size and shape.
9. To Cover a Discolored or Poorly Shaped Tooth
Sometimes, a tooth has really bad stains that whitening can’t fix, or it might have a weird shape that stands out when you smile. If veneers aren’t an option, a crown can completely cover the tooth. You’ll get a natural-looking and uniform smile while also strengthening the tooth underneath.
10. You Have a Tooth That Didn’t Develop Normally
Some people have teeth that didn’t form properly because of a condition like enamel hypoplasia. This means the outer layer of the tooth is weak or missing. These teeth are often sensitive, prone to decay, and may look discolored. A crown protects these vulnerable teeth, reduces sensitivity, and helps them function like any other tooth.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
At Carol Stream & Elgin Dental Associates, we are dedicated to preserving your oral health. If you have deep decay or extensive damage, a dental crown could protect your teeth and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your treatment options.