When is a Dental Crown needed?
New patients often ask me, “When exactly is a crown called for?”
I suspect that this question is motivated by a distrust of dental professionals brought on by what appears to be, from the patient’s point-of-view, the over-recommendation of dental crowns for everything from tooth decay to migraine headaches.
While it is true that there are some less than honourable dentists out there that might be thinking more about their bottom line than the patient’s well-being, most dental professionals strive to offer high quality, reasonable recommendations based on the patient’s needs.
We know that there is more to be gained from satisfied, loyal patients that will continue to use our services and recommend us to others, rather than from an expensive, one-time procedure.
At Precision Dental, our reputation as a scrupulous, high-quality dental practice is just as important to us as is the health and happiness of our patients.
In fact, they are one and the same. Our practice is built on the trust and faith of our patients based on our long history of patient-centred service.
Patients are correct to be sceptical and ask questions, and at Precision Dental, we welcome any and all questions regarding our policies and procedures.
When someone asks me about our use of dental crowns, here is what I tell them.
5 Reasons for using Dental Crowns
There are essentially five reasons for using dental crowns. These are:
Aesthetic improvement
Extensive Damage or Decay
Dental crowns are a good solution for teeth that have a lot of decay or have been cracked or chipped in a major way.
Teeth that have fillings larger than the remaining natural tooth, or multiple fillings are also good candidates.
When additional repairs would substantially weaken the tooth to the point where problems could be expected in the near future, that is the classic situation for a dental crown to be installed.
Root Canal Therapy
When root canal therapy is performed, the root loses its source of nutrients and life, consequently becoming somewhat more brittle and prone to breakage than a healthy, natural tooth.
A dental crown is a good way to protect the root from injury by capping the root with a strong, singular crown replacement.
The artificial dental crown seals the root canals, binds the various roots at the top, distributes mastication forces evenly, is not susceptible to decay, and chances of it fracturing are astronomically low.
That is why the majority of root canal procedures are completed with a well-chosen dental crown, to ensure a trouble-free tooth for a long time.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are metallic tooth replacements inserted into the bone when it is impossible or contraindicated to try to save a tooth. The implant itself only replaces the root of the tooth.
A dental crown is required to complete the tooth reconstruction, thus replacing the entire tooth.
Abutments for Partial Dentures or Bridges
Removable, partial dentures and permanent, dental bridges replace missing teeth when other treatments are imprudent.
Both treatments require strong anchor teeth to which the artificial pieces can be secured.
Very often, the natural teeth remaining in the patient’s mouth are not well-suited for the job, either by the fact that the tooth shape is less than optimal, the teeth have damage that makes them unsuitable, or a special apparatus is required to hold the denture or bridge in place.
In such instances, a dental crown is required for the procedure.
Aesthetic Improvement
In some cases, a patient’s cosmetic dental requirements will indicate dental crown installation.
If someone’s natural smile is less than acceptable to them, dental crowns can be utilised for strengthening, improving and unifying colour, straightening, and preventing decay.
Many of these improvements are possible through dental veneer treatment. However, the personal requirements of the patient can make dental crowns preferable.
For example, if the patient is a bruxer (tooth grinder), the more robust dental crown treatment may be advisable.
Quality Materials and Equipment
We, as a reputable, Australian dental laboratory for all of our crown manufacturing needs. They are made in Australia, not overseas.
Finest and Long-lasting Dental Crown Treatment at Precision Dental
Our goal is always to give you the best advice based on what is in the best interests of your oral health and overall wellbeing and happiness.
Here at Precision Dental, we use the most modern technology available and employ the highest standards when it comes to tooth repair and aesthetic improvements.
You will get the finest and longest lasting treatment possible.
We will provide you with an exam to determine any problem areas you might have and recommend a long-term dental care program designed to give you an elegant, trouble-free smile.
Call us on (07) 3852 1160 or visit us at S13, HQ South Tower, 520 Wickham St in Fortitude Valley.
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