Indication for Full Coverage Crowns
Full coverage crowns are a common and versatile dental restoration that can be used to restore a tooth that may otherwise have to be extracted. Dental crowns ensure the function and stability of a tooth, allowing you to keep your natural teeth as long as possible. Let's take a closer look at some dental issues that might be an indication that you need a full coverage crown.
Indication for Full Coverage Crowns
When a tooth is damaged and needs a crown, a very small amount of the outer enamel is removed from every surface, allowing room for the crown to fit snugly in place. Decay, fracture, and root canal therapy are the most common reasons your dentist might want to place a full coverage crown to restore your tooth. A crown essentially acts like artificial enamel to reinforce the stability of the tooth.
Decay
Everyone experiences tooth decay at some point, and when it is caught early,it can likely be restored with a filling. But if decay is extensive, you may need a crown to secure the tooth and prevent further damage. It is possible to develop decay under an existing crown, at which point the crown will need to be removed so the decay can be cleaned out and a new crown placed.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a treatment that can save an otherwise hopeless tooth. When decay is very deep within a tooth, the pulp of the tooth can become infected. The pulp is the tissue inside each tooth where the nerves and blood flow are housed. During a root canal, a small access hole is drilled into the tooth, and the infected pulp is cleaned out from each canal. Root canal therapy helps relieve tooth pain and can prevent the development of an abscess.
The loss of blood flow eventually makes the tooth brittle and susceptible to fracture, but a crown can protect the tooth from cracking.
Dental Trauma
Trauma to a tooth can be a result of a fall or accident, which could lead to a fracture in the tooth. Teeth can also be compromised by old dental work and are more susceptible to fracture. A cracked tooth can allow bacteria and debris into the inner part of the tooth, causing an infection in the pulp. If a crack extends past the gum line, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Dental crowns are one of the best ways to save a compromised tooth and to enable you to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. As a permanent restoration, a full coverage crown can last up to 20 years with good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist.