Why Do Some Teeth Need Dental Crowns?

A dental crown can help with a lot of different problems. One example is that crowns replace the enamel on your teeth, which may not be able to provide its original function anymore. Enamel is the hardest substance in your body, which is made to withstand the thermal, chemical, and mechanical forces our teeth undergo when we eat and drink. Sadly, it cannot keep repairing itself indefinitely.

X-rays show cracks & decay in the enamel of your teeth. When the enamel is gone, other dental work can’t be done: cavities will occur, and teeth will get loose and break or fall out. Dental crowns are designed to protect what’s left of your tooth so you can keep eating, smiling, and enjoying life.

Large Cavities

Cavities are bacterial infections of the enamel and other complex substances that make up each tooth. Bacteria eat sugar and produce acid, which can dissolve the enamel and allow the bacteria to penetrate the tooth. There are several reasons for tooth decay – as a cavity grows and emerges, it causes the enamel to weaken gradually. Once this happens, your dentist takes measurements and other necessary factors to determine whether the tooth will require treatment. Cavities are sometimes so large that the tooth will not survive a filling.

Large Fillings

A crown is often necessary for tooth repair with a significant cavity. Restoring a tooth with a filling only fills in the gap and doesn’t add any structural support. However, dentistry may be needed to prevent further damage when the large filling incision makes up more than half of the visible tooth.

Severe Acid Erosion

People who suffer from acid reflux or GERD, or those with acidic habits (like drinking sodas daily), often lose a significant amount of enamel through erosion. Rebuilding these teeth and replacing the lost enamel is necessary to prevent more problems.

Loss of Enamel from Heavy Clenching/Grinding

Other instances of enamel loss can be caused due to teeth grinding and excessive clenching. This mechanical wear & tear decreases the height and thickness of your teeth, which leads to a reduction in enamel and an increase in tooth decay. Acid erosion often leads to tooth breakdown and eventual tooth loss. You can fix this issue and prevent more damage by rebuilding the decay.

Cracked Teeth

Widespread cracks can be found in teeth with large fillings & are not limited to people who grind their teeth at night. They may develop as a result of injury. When a tooth cracks, the enamel interruption allows heat and bacteria to penetrate the tooth. Cracks often lead to cavities and sensitivity to cold or chewing forces.

Root Canal Treatment

The lack of a blood supply means that a tooth will eventually break down, so we must give it a crown following root canal treatment. After the treatment, the roots are sterilized and sealed with a dental filling material. Because nerves are not present in teeth with root canal treatment, patients may not experience other common symptoms, such as a cracked tooth. Therefore, crown placement is necessary to prevent breakage after tooth removal/root canal treatment.

What Does the Crown Process Involve?

To make a crown that fits perfectly, your dentist first prepares the tooth. Preparation involves removing the enamel layer so that the crown can replace it without making the restoration bulky or uncomfortable. Before starting the rebuilding process, we can also clean out any decay and fillings in your tooth. This way, we get down to a healthier foundation and can focus on rebuilding your natural tooth structure.

The tooth’s enamel coating provides protection and sensitivity to the hot and cold without it. Without this, you would be sensitive to a range of temperatures. This explains why a dental crown preparation typically requires local anesthetic (but not always when a tooth has a root canal treatment because there is no longer nerve-feeling pain in those areas). This is also why we must place a temporary crown on the tooth for the time necessary to make a final crown. A temporary crown helps protect your teeth and holds their space while we wait for a permanent one to be manufactured.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

A dental crown is a significant investment that will provide many years of benefits. If you take care of it correctly, it can last a lifetime and beyond!

What is the Typical Lifespan of a Dental Crown?

Typically, dental crowns last for about five to fifteen years. However, this could vary greatly depending on the material used to create the height and how well the patient takes care of their teeth.

Dental care insurance usually pays out benefits to replace a dental crown only when placed five years ago or more.

What Factors Affect the Lifespan of Your Dental Crown?

This is the most common reason a crown would not last long. A false sense of security is usually the result of people receiving a dental crown. In most cases, it involves developing a new cavity on its edge or margin. They mistakenly assume the risk of cavities is gone, but that’s not true. Teeth are at a higher risk for decay & you must be vigilant in fighting them.

To keep your dental crown in the best possible shape, you should do your best to fight cavities by performing excellent tooth hygiene at home and seeing a dentist regularly for professional teeth cleanings, check-ups & topical fluoride treatments. But, of course, this is true for any dental work.

A common factor affecting crowns’ lifespan is breakage from heavy forces. If you sleep with your teeth clenched or grinding, your dentist will likely prescribe a protective mouthguard to wear at night. This appliance protects your mouth and teeth, prolonging the lifespan of crowns and fillings and your teeth.