Is a Dental Crown Necessary? What You Need to Know
If you’re dealing with toothache, or tooth or oral issues in general, you may need to speak to your dentist and look into the possibility of a dental crown.
People often wonder “is a dental crown necessary?”, and dentists will often be asked questions such as "do I really need a crown on my tooth?". The truth of the matter is that it all depends on the patient and the condition of their teeth.
If you’re worried you may need a dental crown, or if you just wish to learn more about them, here’s a look at what you need to know about dental crowns.
What are dental crowns and what do they do?
First off, we’ll begin today by bringing you up to speed on precisely what a dental crown is.
A dental crown is basically a cap in the shape of a tooth, that is designed to be placed over existing teeth.
Dental crowns are designed not only to protect the teeth underneath, but they’re also designed to improve your oral aesthetics, as they are created to look just like real teeth.
Crowns are used to restore the strength of the teeth they’re placed over, along with the appearance, the shape, and the size of the tooth.
The crowns are cemented in place by a dentist and if cared for, can last for many, many years.
How to tell if a dental crown is necessary
If you’re reading this today, you’re probably wondering “is a dental crown necessary?”, and the truth is that it really depends.
If you are concerned you may need a dental crown however, here are some signs to watch out for:
You’ve had a root canal procedure carried out
If you’ve recently undergone a root canal procedure, you may need a dental crown fitting.
A root canal requires the dentist to drill directly into the tooth in order to extract any decay. The problem is that this can leave the tooth weak and vulnerable.
Having a dental crown fitted will protect the tooth.
You have fractured or chipped teeth
Chipped teeth are pretty common, and while they may not be very serious, they can harm the aesthetics of the teeth.
If you’re asking yourself ‘do I really need a crown on my tooth’? If your tooth or teeth are broken or chipped, the answer is probably yes. The main reason for this is to enhance the appearance of the teeth, and to protect them from further damage.
You aren’t happy with your teeth
If you have “bad” teeth and aren’t happy with their appearance, having a dental crown, or dental crowns, fitted can help you to take back your self-confidence and feel good about your smile once more.
What are my options?
If you are asking if a dental crown is necessary, before you commit to the procedure you may wish to consider your other options.
Depending on your teeth and medical history, treatment options include:
- Fillings
- Root canal surgery
- Braces
- Veneers
- Dental crowns
- Inlays
- Onlays
How long can I go without having a dental crown?
Again, the length of time you can go without a dental crown will depend entirely on you and the condition of your teeth.
If you have strong and healthy teeth, provided you’re happy with their appearance and look after them carefully, you can go without a crown indefinitely.
If, however, you are dealing with tooth issues, the sooner you have a crown fitted, the better. If you’re recently recovering from root canal surgery, as soon as you begin to experience any pain or discomfort in the tooth or teeth, you should speak to your dentist and arrange for a dental crown procedure to be carried out.
What are the benefits of dental crowns?
Okay, so, you’re still unsure of the answer “do I really need a crown on my tooth?” and you want to weigh up the pros, here’s a look at some benefits of dental crowns over things such as fillings.
Improve the look of your teeth
If you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, or if you simply want to enhance their look, dental crowns will certainly do that.
Easy to maintain
While you do still need to care for and maintain dental crowns, they’re very easy to look after.
Long lasting
Another advantage associated with having a dental crown fitted is the fact that it is so long-lasting. If you do look after the crowns and maintain them, they will easily last upwards of 15 years, if not more.
Protects the teeth
Not only do dental crowns help to enhance the appearance of the teeth, they also help to protect the teeth. This is especially useful if you have teeth which are already weak or damaged.
How much does a dental crown cost?
In terms of whether a dental crown is necessary, you will no doubt want to get an idea of cost first.
Prices vary depending on the severity of your condition and who carries out the procedure and so, per crown, you can expect to pay anything from $500 up to as much as $3000.
Why looking after your teeth is so important
In medicine, and indeed, that includes oral medicine, prevention is better than cure.
If you’re concerned and are asking “do I really need a crown on my tooth?”, you may wish to look after your teeth and care for them before things get to the stage where a crown is the only option.
Speak to your dentist, have your teeth checked and cleaned regularly, brush twice daily, floss, use an electric toothbrush, and avoid sugary and overly acidic foods and drinks.
