Many people recognize dental crowns as a way to completely restore a tooth. When a crown is placed over the tooth, it caps it entirely, shielding it from the pressures of biting and chewing, and protecting it from sustaining any further damage. However, that level of restoration isn’t always necessary to repair a tooth, and before recommending a dental crown, your dentist will carefully inspect the tooth to determine if it’s the right option.

It has a significant fracture in it

A crack or fracture in your tooth may not seem like a significant enough problem for a dental crown, and in many cases, it isn’t. The fracture itself is a significant problem; no matter how minor it is, it will certainly grow larger and become a much bigger threat if it’s ignored. However, minor and moderate tooth fractures can often be restored with more conservative treatment, such as tooth bonding or a porcelain veneer. A dental crown may only be required if the fracture in the tooth is significant, and threatens the health and integrity of the tooth and your bite. A custom crown will not only stop the fracture from getting worse, but also reenable the tooth to take the full force of your bite.

A large piece has broken off of it

Unlike a fractured tooth, a broken tooth is typically a more serious problem, even if the broken piece is relatively small. A broken piece of your tooth can change the overall size, shape, and contour of the tooth, which can affect the rest of your bite’s balance as well as your tooth’s integrity. Because a custom dental crown is designed to replicate the healthy size and shape of the tooth, it can help protect the tooth as well as restore its function in your bite. This will also help reduce the risks of your tooth suffering further damage in the future and potentially being lost.

It’s been treated with root canal therapy

Not all teeth that can use a dental crown need one because of damage to their structure. In some cases, a severe tooth infection (or tooth decay) can leave a tooth structurally compromised and in need of support. Root canal therapy, the process of addressing a severe tooth infection, involves carefully removing the infected tissues and tooth structure from within your tooth’s pulp and root canal. This can stop the infection from getting worse, but can also leave the tooth weaker and less dense. After root canal therapy, we can suggest placing a crown over the tooth to restore its structural integrity and protect it more effectively in the long run.

Learn if your tooth needs a dental crown

Today’s dental crowns are customized to a level that makes them an appropriate solution for a wide range of tooth concerns. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe and all neighboring communities.