How to Know If You Need a Dental Crown

A dental crown, also known as a cap, can improve the appearance of your smile and protect compromised teeth from additional damage. However, the dental crown process is a bit more involved than getting a dental filling, so you’ll want to make sure a “cap” is really what your smile needs.

1) What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that covers your tooth like a thimble over your finger. Unlike veneers–which only cover the front of your teeth–crowns completely cover all surfaces up to the gumline. Their strength also distributes biting pressure to so that the tooth underneath won’t break apart any further.

2) Who Needs Dental Crowns?

When you lose or damage a significant amount of tooth structure, whether from decay, trauma, or other factors, there may not be enough enamel left to hold a dental filling in place. In these situations, a crown is recommended. Crowns are also required after root canal treatment.

Ultimately, we will need to take an X-ray of your tooth to see just how much damage there is. At that point, we can recommend a filling, crown, or something else.

3) What Does A Dental Crown Do?

A ceramic or porcelain crown will improve your smile and retain chewing ability in that tooth. Otherwise, the tooth structure would likely break apart further or need to be removed entirely. They are often one of the last lines of defense when it comes to preserving your natural smile.

Dental Crowns in Dunwoody

If you’re missing a large portion of your tooth, a crown may be the best way to save your smile. Reserve an exam at Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today for more information.