Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Dental crowns often are recommended by dentists to repair severely damaged teeth such as cracked or broken teeth or one that has extensive decay in which a filling is not enough to repair the tooth. Made from high-quality dental porcelain, dental crowns encase the entire exterior of the tooth. They are also known as a cap. These restorations restore a damaged tooth to withstand the usual biting pressure. Okemos’ general dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, is here to share some information with you today to help you decide if you should get a dental crown to repair your tooth.
Here are several reasons why a dental crown might be the right choice for you.
You have a broken or cracked tooth
Dental enamel is known to be the strongest substance in the body, although it is not indestructible. There are many reasons why a tooth might break. Often times, it may happen because there is existing decay in the tooth that has not been addressed. We can see the entire tooth structure with x-rays. Sometimes it is a total fluke like when biting down on a hard fragment such as a bone or other foreign object in your food. A broken tooth is evident if you feel a large void in your mouth. Other times when a tooth becomes cracked or fractured, it may be difficult to pinpoint without the help of a dentist.
You clench and grind your teeth at night
Teeth also crack as a result of bruxism, which is clenching and grinding your teeth while sleeping. This habit exerts a significant amount of pressure on your teeth. If you have a misaligned bite already or TMJ disorder, you are more than likely compromising your teeth’ structure without even knowing it. If your tooth becomes fractured, you may experience unusual sensitivity or zings of pain when you chew or bite down that seems to dissipate rather quickly. The problem tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold. Dental x-rays may help diagnose a cracked tooth, although in some cases, symptoms alone are indicative of a fracture. Placing a crown over the tooth protects it from additional damage.
Your tooth has a large cavity
Another reason a crown might be beneficial to repair your tooth is if it has a large area of decay. Typically, a tooth-colored filling offered by your general dentist in East Lansing is recommended for areas of mild to moderate areas of decay. However, if the cavity affects a significant portion of the tooth, the tooth may not be strong enough to receive a filling. If one were to be placed, the filling probably would not last. It would fall out or could cause the remaining portion of the tooth to break. Since a crown would be an ideal choice in this instance, it provides a firm foundation as it covers the entire exterior of the tooth down to the gum line.
Your tooth had a root canal
If you have had or are planning on having a root canal, which is done when a tooth’s nerve is infected or compromised by oral bacteria, a crown is the necessary final step. At this point, the only way to save the tooth is to remove the nerve and blood supply through a root canal. By removing the tooth’s pulp, it becomes brittle over time. Therefore, a crown is recommended as the final step in treating a tooth of this nature.
You want to improve the aesthetics and structure of your teeth
Dental crowns may also be recommended for purely cosmetic purposes. However, often more minimally invasive procedures such as cosmetic bonding or veneers may be recommended if improved aesthetics is the goal. If, however, a tooth’s structure is weakened or compromised and needs aesthetic improvement, a crown would be the best choice.
General Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing
Looking for a general dentist? Tenaglia Smiles offers restorative dental care such as crowns to repair damaged teeth and restore your smile’s natural beauty. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733 or schedule an appointment online today.