Because crowns are one of the most popular restorations people require for their teeth, most dentists are frequently asked, "Do I need a crown?" It's a reasonable issue, considering crowns can cost hundreds of dollars even with insurance.
They are commonly recommended since a dental crown is often the greatest option for extending the life of a tooth for years to come. However, there are treatment options that can postpone the need for a crown. When a new dentist proposes several crowns, you should proceed with caution.
Here are five things to ask your dentist before getting a crown:
1. Show me and tell me why a crown is needed.
It is conceivable that your tooth is cracked if it hurts when you bite down. A cracked tooth is a significant issue that usually necessitates the use of a dental crown. The fracture in a cracked tooth, unlike a broken bone, will not mend.
Vertical fissures that extend to the gum line may necessitate a full-coverage crown. If the break extends below the gum line, the tooth may need a root canal, crown lengthening, or even extraction.
However, be sure the tooth is shattered and not "crazed." Craze lines are common and harmless. Almost every adult back tooth has a craze line. These are just stress lines, and they may not always indicate the presence of a crown.
Because craze lines do not damage the structural integrity of your tooth, you have several alternatives for repairing them. The least intrusive of options is whitening, which can fade the crack stains and drastically minimize their visibility.
However, craze lines with deep stains or that are particularly long may indicate a growing crack. Request an inter-oral image or a handheld mirror from your dentist to see the crack.
2. What are my options?
While a crown is one option in some circumstances, there may be others. Instead, you might have a filling. However, remember that a filling does not preclude the need for a crown in the future. Furthermore, if a significant section of your tooth requires filling, a crown is usually a superior alternative because fillings do not provide the same level of protection as crowns. Furthermore, if the filling is excessively large, it might cause the tooth to crack, rendering it irreparable.
3. What are the implications of waiting?
- Nothing will happen. There are small chances, but sometimes you can wait as long as you want.
- The tooth may chip; a simple repair is possible. It could also crack and require a crown.
- In rare circumstances, waiting may necessitate a root canal.
- The tooth could split, necessitating crown lengthening or extraction.
These are the kinds of topics your dentist should be prepared to discuss with you.
4. Is a Root Canal needed?
Most crowns do not require root canals. A root canal is not required if a tooth is not diseased or intensely irritated.
5. Does an old, really large silver filling mean I need a crown?
A crown may be required if a silver filling is more than two-thirds the breadth of the tooth. The small amount of tooth left in an old filling like this can deteriorate. It is all up to you. Choose a crown if you want to be proactive and keep it from cracking.
Conclusion
A toothache should not be ignored. If you've been experiencing persistent tooth discomfort, make an appointment with your dentist. Remember that skipping a tooth crown when you need one can lead to a cracked or damaged tooth and a more serious case of tooth decay.
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