How Dental Crowns Can Salvage Damaged Teeth

Dental crowns are often used to cover chipped or decayed teeth so as to restore their form and function. If tooth damage is too severe to be handled with dental fillings, the dentist will typically recommend getting crowns. Dental crowns might be made of porcelain, metal, ceramics, or resin. No special care is required, except for good oral hygiene. For tooth damage caused by injury, decay, or large fillings, dental crowns offer a great solution. They also protect teeth that have undergone root canal treatment

How dental crowns work

A broken tooth may get worse if one continues to eat and apply pressure on it. An already weakened tooth may crack or break under biting pressure. If the fracture is severe and extends into the root, the tooth cannot be saved. In such cases, the dentist will usually suggest getting dental crowns.

A dental crown covers the entire surface of a tooth above the gum line and distributes biting and chewing pressure evenly throughout the dentition. Distributing the pressure and chewing forces evenly lowers the risk of compromising the damaged tooth significantly.

When are crowns necessary?

The enamel might be the strongest part of the body, but it is still vulnerable to damage. Harmful habits like chewing on hard objects or foods, having big fillings, or grinding teeth increase the risk of breaking or damaging a tooth. A crown will prevent the teeth from cracking and will keep bacteria from invading and infecting the tooth.

Treatments like recurrent fillings or root canal treatment can weaken the teeth. The teeth may also weaken with age or as a result of a genetic disposition to fragility. In such cases, the dentist might advise getting a crown to reinforce the tooth.

Also, the tooth can get damaged in an accident, often after a fall or a blow to the mouth. The broken tooth will probably have rough edges, which might irritate or even cut the lips or tongue. If a premolar or molar tooth is broken and not fitted with a crown, eating may become difficult.

Patients may also use crowns to cover too-small teeth, change shape, or cover imperfections in teeth. This covering improves the tooth’s aesthetic appeal.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns generally last between five and 15 years. The length of time a crown lasts depends on its usage and the success of one’s oral hygiene habits. To ensure a crown’s longevity, patients should avoid habits like teeth grinding. Alternatively, they can get a mouthguard. Opening packages and bottles with the teeth also increases the risk of damage.