Dental crowns give patients a trusted solution to repair and restore damaged or decayed teeth. While dental crowns offer many benefits, they are not always the best solution for a patient’s oral health. Read more to find out the advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns.
When Are Dental Crowns Effective?
Typically, the dentist recommends a filling as the first step with a decayed tooth. This process removes the decay and fills the tooth with composite resin. However, the filling may break down over time, or the tooth may experience additional decay. When there is no longer enough original tooth material or stability to support filling the tooth, a crown provides an effective alternative to extraction.
Cracked or chipped teeth also often benefit from crowns. Placing a crown repairs the crack and restores the tooth’s integrity. The crown strengthens the weakened tooth structure and helps prevent further damage. If the crack extends through the enamel layer, a crown will help protect the underlying dentin.
Crowns also work as part of a root canal or tooth implant. The crown covers the remaining tooth structure with a root canal, while the crown covers the metal post with an implant. Whatever the reason for a dental crown, the patient gains stability and function.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns work best when applied to the right oral health issues and by an experienced dental team, like Atlanta Smiles. We have a track record of success with dental crown procedures. When properly applied, dental crowns provide many advantages.
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Strengthen weak teeth and prevent further damage
- Protect against future decay.
- Enhance the smile’s appearance
- Add strength to a damaged or broken tooth
- Prevent extraction and preserve tooth structure
- Low maintenance and durable
Dental crowns give patients an option to extend the life of their natural teeth and restore oral health. Ask your Atlanta Smiles dentist if a crown is right for you.
Disadvantages of Dental Crowns
While dental crowns work well to resolve many oral health issues, applying a crown in the wrong situation can lead to disadvantages. For example, a crown costs more than a filling. Therefore, applying a crown when a filling would work causes a financial disadvantage for the patient. Likewise, if a tooth doesn’t have enough structure to support the crown, the procedure won’t provide the expected stability or longevity. In that case, an implant or bridge may work better.
Even when a crown is the best option, consider the disadvantages to make an informed decision.
- The procedure typically takes more than one visit to complete
- Higher cost investment compared to some other procedures, like fillings
- Requires replacement after 10 to 15 years
- Some patients experience discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure
How Do I Know if My Tooth Needs a Crown?
If you think your tooth needs a crown, it’s essential to see a dentist who specializes in this procedure. Your dentist will examine your tooth and determine whether a crown is necessary. At Atlanta Smiles, we create a customized treatment plan for each patient to meet their oral health, aesthetic, and budget needs.
If you have any questions about dental crowns, contact us today! We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
