If you go for regular checkups, your dentist should be able to keep a watchful eye on the state of your teeth, including monitoring any dental crown work, and give you fair warning about impending repairs or other work needed to keep everything in good condition.
If you are signed up to a good dentist in Sandy Utah, for instance, they will be able to look at the strength and condition of a tooth to be able to decide whether a crown might be the best option.
There are several key considerations to take into account when making the decision to get a dental crown instead of a regular filling.
How To Know When You Need A Dental Crown Instead Of A Regular Filling
What is a dental crown?
A good place to start would be to have an understanding of what a dental crown is and what it is designed to do.
Dental crowns are often also known as dental caps. They are the same thing. They also do the same job, which is to cover an entire area of a tooth. They might also be used to cover an entire tooth when the damage is more extensive.
One of the fundamental reasons why you would use a dental crown is to prevent infection and provide support to a damaged tooth. When the crown covers the entire tooth it prevents bacteria from getting in and helps stop any further decay.
Making an informed decision
There are aesthetic and health reasons for getting a crown fitted. A crown looks neater and often improves your appearance compared to having a filling.
In addition to helping your mouth look better when you smile, there are also some very valid health reasons behind the decision to fit a crown.
A good example would be when you have root canal treatment. Crowns are usually considered necessary after this procedure as they help to protect the integrity of the tooth. A tooth that has been subjected to a root canal is weakened and becomes more brittle because the nerve no longer supplies blood to the tooth.
Fitting a crown would be seen as an important and imperative action to protect your tooth. Your dentist will explain the reasons in greater detail so that you can make an informed decision.
Other reasons for having a crown fitted
Dental crowns can be used to solve a variety of dental issues. If you have a broken or chipped tooth, for example, a simple filling might provide a short-term fix but a crown will provide more longer-term protection.
If you have a tooth that has suffered a bad level of decay, that would be another good reason to consider having a crown fitted. Once the decay has reached a certain level it is not often a viable option to try and repair it with a normal filling.
Sometimes, you might have had a larger filling at some point in the past. This might have reached the end of its life and a dental crown would often be a better option to add strength, rather than attempt another filling.
Talk to your dentist about your options and they will be happy to answer any questions you have about dental crowns and when to choose this option.
Conclusion
Concluding the discussion on the pivotal decision between choosing a dental crown and a regular filling, it’s evident that the choice is not just about addressing current dental issues but also about ensuring long-term oral health. A dental crown stands out as a robust guardian for damaged teeth, offering a durable, functional, and aesthetic solution where a filling might fall short.
The journey towards opting for a crown is informed by several factors, such as the extent of tooth decay, the need for enhanced structural support, or a superior cosmetic outcome. It’s a strategic choice when faced with considerable dental wear and tear, ensuring that a compromised tooth is fortified for the future.
Committing to a dental crown is a testament to prioritizing one’s dental well-being. Beyond its immediate restorative function, a crown is a preventative measure, safeguarding against potential future complications. Although the process may be more extensive than that for a filling, the enduring protection and seamless integration it offers affirm the crown as a valuable investment in the quest for a healthy, confident smile.
