Dental Crowns in Stouffville
A dental crown covers and protects a tooth when the remaining tooth structure is no longer strong enough to rely on a filling alone. Crowns can restore strength, function and appearance to teeth that have been heavily filled, fractured, worn or otherwise damaged.
When Is a Dental Crown Needed?
A crown may be recommended when:
a tooth has a very large filling
part of the tooth has fractured
significant tooth structure has been lost
a tooth has undergone root canal treatment
a tooth is badly worn
a tooth requires substantial cosmetic restoration
an existing crown needs replacement
The condition of the individual tooth determines whether a crown, filling or another restoration is the better choice.
Why Are Crowns Often Used After Root Canal Treatment?
Removing the nerve from a tooth can leave the tooth more vulnerable to fracture, particularly in heavily loaded back teeth. A crown can surround and reinforce the remaining tooth structure.
Dr. Elliott will assess how much natural tooth remains and recommend the appropriate restoration.
What If My Crown or Filling Is Loose or Broken?
A damaged restoration should be assessed rather than ignored. If the seal around a crown or filling has failed, bacteria can reach the tooth underneath and decay may develop. Early treatment can sometimes prevent a relatively manageable problem from becoming more extensive.
It is important to note that once a filling or crown has lost its seal, a cavity will quickly form under it. A cavity in the area of a restoration is already past the first line of defence of the tooth. Waiting may allow the decay to reach the nerve. The only treatment option once it reaches the nerve is a root canal. For these reasons, it is important to deal quickly with a loose or broken filling or crown.