How to Know if a Dental Crown is Right for You

How to Know if a Dental Crown is Right for You

How to Know if a Dental Crown is Right for You

If you have a damaged or deteriorating tooth, you may benefit from a dental crown. Any damage to your teeth can cause pain, especially if the problem is not treated quickly. As well as this, the issue can also become exacerbated without treatment, eventually leading to more costly and invasive interventions.

The type of dental procedure that will work best depends on a variety of factors. Working alongside your dentist to identify the most suitable treatment is recommended.

Here’s our guide on how to know if a dental crown is right for you.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is essentially a cover, or a cap, designed to sit on the tooth. Dental crowns are specifically made to mimic the natural colour and texture of the surrounding teeth, subtly blending in with the rest of your smile.

Dental crowns can be made from a range of materials, so you’re given the choice regarding which suits you best. The majority of our clients opt for porcelain crowns, as this material offers the most realistic results. We also offer Zirconia or precious metal dental crowns including gold.

What Does a Dental Crown Remedy?

Dental crowns hide damaged or broken teeth. They can be used to remedy a range of dental concerns, both to enhance the aesthetics and overall health of your smile.

• Tooth decay
• Improve results from root canal treatments
• Worn, broken and cracked teeth
• Discoloured or heavily stained teeth

Your dentist can help you identify whether a dental crown would be the best way to approach any issues you have with your teeth.

Who Is a Dental Crown Suitable For?

A dental crown is typically recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but when it isn’t so compromised to require removal.

A crown may be suitable if you have:

• A tooth that’s weakened by large decay.
• A tooth with a large existing filling.
• A cracked or fractured tooth.
• A tooth that’s undergone root canal treatment.
• Severe tooth wear from grinding.
• A misshapen tooth or a heavily discoloured tooth that needs strengthening as well as cosmetic improvement.

Crowns are useful because they’re very durable. The crown is like a protective shell on the tooth. It helps prevent any further damage and reduces the risk of a tooth breaking. They also restore full functionality. A damaged tooth often makes chewing feel uncomfortable or uneven. A crown improves the bite and you can eat normally again.

Aesthetics-wise, modern crowns look natural. They’re made from porcelain and zirconia, materials that reflect light in a similar way to real enamel. This means your crown won’t stand out.

In short, it’s a great balance between strength, longevity and appearance when a tooth needs significant reinforcement.

When a Dental Crown May Not Be Suitable

Crowns are reliable and fairly versatile in dentistry. But they’re not always the most appropriate first option.

If you’ve got a minor issue like a small chip or a limited cosmetic concern, there are less invasive treatments that might be better suited. When you get a crown, the natural tooth structure requires reshaping. As such, they’re usually recommended when a tooth already has substantial damage.

If you have a tooth that is severely infected or unsalvageable, the only option might be extraction. This could be followed by a dental implant or bridge to replace the tooth.

Cost is also a factor. Crowns are more complex than simple fillings or bonding, which is reflected in the fee you’ll pay. However, a crown can be more cost-effective long term if it helps prevent further deterioration.

Your dentist will assess how much healthy tooth structure remains. This will help them determine the best option. Where a conservative approach will achieve the desired outcome, we will always discuss that first.

What are the Alternatives?

Although dental crowns are a highly reliable way to remedy a range of dental issues, there are alternatives available.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are ideal for replacing missing teeth. Your dentist may recommend an implant instead of a crown if the damage or decay to your tooth is too extreme to remove or repair without risk of infection. This will involve the extraction of the affected tooth, along with the implantation of a titanium ‘root’ into the gum.

Implants are more invasive because they involve surgery into the jaw. They are, however, the most permanent solution when a tooth can’t be saved. A dental implant will be more expensive than a crown and the treatment timeline is much longer too.

If your natural tooth can be preserved, a crown is usually the less invasive and more straightforward option.

Porcelain Veneers or Composite Veneers

Porcelain and composite veneers can be used to correct the appearance of damaged or chipped teeth. Using either porcelain or a special composite resin material, your dentist will skillfully mould the veneers over the teeth.

These treatments are primarily cosmetic. Compared to crowns, they require less tooth reduction. They don’t, however, provide the same level of structural strength. If a tooth is weakened or cracked, a veneer might not be enough.

If you want to improve shape, colour and symmetry, a veneer works. Crowns are better when both cosmetic enhancements and reinforcement are necessary.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is recommended for more minor, cosmetic dental concerns. It can be completed within one sitting at the dentist and is a more affordable treatment.

Bonding is less durable than a crown and it may stain or wear over time. It isn’t suitable for heavily damaged or structurally compromised teeth.

In simple terms:

• Bonding: Best for minor cosmetic fixes.
• Veneers: Cosmetic improvement with moderate reshaping.
• Crowns: Structural protection and cosmetic restoration.
• Implants: Full tooth replacement.

In deciding which dental treatment will work best for you, it’s important to work with a trusted dental professional. They will be able to examine the issue and the full extent to which any teeth may be damaged or require repairs. Ultimately, your dentist will help you make an informed decision about whether a dental crown is right for you – or whether an alternative treatment may offer better results.

Dental Crown Procedures by Ringway Dental

At Ringway Dental, our welcoming private surgery offers a range of dental health and cosmetic treatments. Combining our expertise in both of these areas, our dental crown treatments are exceptionally well-rated by previous patients. We utilise the best dental technology and our own expertise to provide dental crown procedures that leave our patients with a lasting, healthy smile.

To find out more or discuss whether a dental crown might be the right step forward for you, get in touch with us today. As always, an in-surgery consultation with our dentists is the most reliable way to get personalised advice regarding which treatments would best work for you. You can book an appointment by calling the surgery on 0161 437 2029, or complete our contact form if you have any queries you’d like us to respond to that this guide hasn’t covered.

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