Franklin, TN
A dental crown replaces the entire exterior of a tooth. Once installed, a crown protects a tooth from further damage, preventing tooth loss. This popular procedure provides natural-looking results, thanks to the high-quality dental porcelain that looks like real tooth enamel and is designed to last for many years with good care and maintenance. If you’ve ever been told that you need a crown or wonder if a crown is right for you, check out five signs that you need a dental crown in Leipers Fork.
Sign 1: You have old, large fillings
In the past, dentists filled cavities with large amalgam or silver fillings. Many adults today still have these silver fillings. Unfortunately, amalgam fillings are known to fall out or cause the existing tooth structure to crack or break entirely, resulting in the need for a dental crown. In conclusion, if you have old silver fillings, it is likely that you may need a dental crown someday.
Sign 2: Your tooth is cracked or broken
A cracked or broken tooth can happen unexpectedly, either from a fall or accident or from biting something hard. If your tooth develops a crack or a piece breaks off, then the best solution is often a dental crown. Otherwise, the tooth is exposed to bacteria that could lead to decay or tooth sensitivity. Additionally, a cracked tooth could worsen the more times that you chew and bite. Since a dental crown covers the entire tooth, it holds the structure together and prevents the crack from getting worse.
Sign 3: Your tooth has extensive decay
A dental filling is the most conservative treatment for a small to moderately-sized cavity. However, if the cavity is large, a crown may be the best option. Think of it this way: if you have a concrete staircase and a large chunk of the concrete crumbles or breaks off, you can’t patch the remaining portion of the step with new concrete. If you did, it probably wouldn’t be very strong and would likely break and crumble again. There isn’t enough stable structure left to repair. A tooth is similar; if there is not enough tooth structure left after removing the decay, a crown is needed to repair the tooth.
Sign 4: You’ve had a root canal
A root canal cleans out the tooth’s interior, which is the blood supply and nerve, often removing an infection or decay that has infiltrated through the tooth’s exterior. A dental crown is always recommended after a root canal to replace the exterior of the treated tooth.
Sign 5: Your tooth is misshapen or stained
A tooth that is misshapen or stained can be repaired with more conservative treatments like dental bonding or a veneer, depending on how much of the tooth structure is healthy enough to withstand the restoration. However, in some cases, a crown may be the best option to conceal these imperfections.
Dental Crowns in Franklin, Leipers Fork, and Thompson Station, Tennessee
Dental crowns are one of the most commonly performed procedures in dentistry. With good care and maintenance, a crown can last for many years. If you would like to learn more about getting a dental crown in Franklin or are ready to schedule an appointment, please call (615) 794-0756.