A dental crown is a procedure used by our dentist in Okotoks to restore the shape, size, strength, and performance of a damaged or infected tooth. In this blog post, our team at Cornerstone Dental Wellness breaks down all the signs that indicate you may need a dental crown.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a false tooth that works as a “cap” to cover a damaged or infected tooth. Typically, dental crowns near you are used to restore the strength of a tooth, change its shape, or improve its performance. Dental crowns are often recommended by our dentist near you for the following reasons:
- Restoration after undergoing root canal treatment
- Weakened, worn-down, or cracked teeth
- Poorly shaped or stained teeth
- Coverage for dental implants
Common Reasons One May Need a Dental Crown
As mentioned above, there are numerous reasons why a dentist may recommend dental crowns in Okotoks, but here are some of the most common scenarios:
#1 Your Tooth is About to Break
If you have a severely worn down tooth due to clenching and grinding or a cracked tooth, your dentist may recommend that you place a dental crown over it for extra strength and protection. A cracked or worn-down tooth will often lead to increased sensitivity and discomfort, and getting a dental crown will provide you with relief while making your tooth stronger.
#2 You Had a Root Canal
If you have had to undergo root canal treatment due to a severely infected tooth, then your dentist will likely want to place a dental crown over the tooth to restore its strength. This is because the process of removing infected pulp from the interior of a tooth significantly weakens the tooth and makes it more susceptible to breakage.
#3 You Got a Dental Implant
If you have a missing tooth, you may have opted to get dental implants, which are an excellent and durable replacement for missing teeth. However, there are two components to dental implants. The first is the implant itself, which is a biocompatible screw that is inserted into your jawbone by a qualified dentist, and the second is a dental crown that replaces the actual missing tooth and blends in seamlessly with your smile while allowing you to speak, chew, and smile properly.
#4 Your Tooth is Stained or Damaged
If you have a discolored or damaged tooth, you can enhance its appearance using a porcelain or ceramic dental crown. Additionally, if you have other eye sores in your mouth, such as a metal filling, then a dental crown can also be used to cover that up to provide you with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Crown
If you get a dental crown, you must know how to look after the crown and the affected tooth. Avoid chewy or hard foods that could possibly damage your crown. As well, if you are a chronic clencher or grinder, then our dentist will prescribe you a custom nightguard to wear for protection. If you get a dental crown fitted by a qualified dentist and properly care for it, then you can expect it to last you for upwards of 15 years.
If you are interested in getting a dental crown, please contact our team at Cornerstone Dental Wellness to book a consultation today!
