When your tooth is compromised in a way that impacts a majority of its structure, a dental crown can often be the most effective and efficient way to restore and save the tooth. However, placing a dental crown also means modifying more of your natural tooth structure to accommodate it. For this reason, it’s often preferable to prevent significant damage to your tooth and the need for a full dental crown by addressing any tooth concerns early.

Preventing complicated tooth issues

The best way to avoid the need for any restorative dental treatment is to prevent the types of concerns that lead to it. For example, dental crowns are often recommended for treating severely compromised teeth, including those that have been substantially worn-down, fractured, or broken. While such concerns can often result from unpreventable dental emergencies, you can significantly reduce your risks of them by consistently keeping your teeth strong and healthy. This requires a consistent dental hygiene routine as well as regular preventive care from your dentist. It also means addressing any existing dental concerns you may have as soon as possible, before they have time to grow more severe.

Keeping tooth damage to a minimum

Tooth damage doesn’t always mean a significant fracture or break in your tooth’s structure. Sometimes, a tooth might have a small piece chip off of its edge, or develop a light crack in its outer layer of enamel. Other teeth might have a cavity (or hole) form in their structures due to tooth decay. You can keep damage to your tooth structure to a minimum by seeking appropriate restorative treatment for the problem as soon as possible. This will stop the source of the tooth’s damage from growing worse and protect more of the tooth’s healthy, undamaged structure from becoming fractured or broken in the future.

Addressing tooth decay early

Tooth decay is the infection in your tooth structure that leads to cavity development. When a tooth needs to be treated for severe decay, it often needs a dental crown placed over it to protect the remaining healthy structure from further damage. However, you can prevent the significant erosion of your tooth by treating tooth decay early with a tooth filling, or by preventing it from developing altogether with consistently good dental hygiene and preventive dental care.

Learn how to minimize your tooth’s restoration

While a dental crown may be the best option for substantial tooth damage, you might avoid the need for one by addressing any tooth concerns early. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600.