What You Should Ask Your Dentist When Getting Dental Crowns

An artificial dental crown is a tooth cap placed over another tooth in a 7dentist’s office. Its purpose is to restore the functions of the normal tooth by correcting its shape or size. Crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes, to improve a tooth’s appearance.

Dental crowns in Morrisburg, ON, are becoming a more common form of dental restoration option. Dentists regularly receive the question, “Do I need a dental crown?”.

Artificial tooth crowns are frequently recommended because it’s an excellent option to extend a tooth’s life for many years to come. However, some tooth treatment options can delay your need for a dental crown.

At Morrisburg Dental, we evaluate all the options and review them with you before commending a set of dental crowns. We take our time to thoroughly explain the treatment recommendations to help us maintain your dental health.

Five Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Here are five consultancy questions you can ask before settling for a dental crown procedure.

Show and tell me why I need a Crown? If there is a pain when you bite down, you might have a cracked tooth. If it’s a tooth crack, then that’s a serious issue that needs a tooth cap. Unlike broken bones, fractured teeth won’t heal. Vertical crowns traversing into the gumline will need a full-coverage tooth cap. If the crack reaches below the gum line, you might need a root canal treatment. This might come with a lengthened crown or tooth extraction. However, ensure the tooth is cracked and not only “crazed.” Craze lines are stress lines that do not need a dental crown. Crazed lines are common and not at all harmful. For craze lines, you can choose many options to fix them. Since they do not alter the original tooth structure, even a tooth whitening procedure to bleach the craze stains can reduce its visibility. Still, be cautious of craze lines with deep stains or very long ones. They could indicate a developing crack. Verify that with your dentist during the appointment.
What options do I have? According to Canadian Dental Association, a crown is just one option of many. You can also opt for a tooth filling. However, keep in mind that a feeling does not eliminate the need to get a crown in the future. Also, if a large part of your tooth needs filling, the dentist in Morrisburg, ON, can suggest s tooth crown because fillings don’t have the same superior protection as crowns. Still, if your filling is extensive, it can break the tooth further, causing more damage.
What if I wait? There are many implications of waiting. Firstly, nothing will happen. Secondly, your tooth could chip and will need a simple repair. Thirdly, a root canal may be necessary in rare cases if you choose to wait with your damaged tooth. It can also split in the case of a crack, which necessitates crown lengthening or tooth extraction. Your dentist should be prepared to talk over these things with you.
Do I need a root canal? Most crowns don’t require a root canal procedure. This is especially if your tooth is not severely inflamed or infected.
Do old and significantly large silver fillings mean I need a root canal? A silver filling might require a temporary or permanent crown if it’s 2/3 the original tooth’s size. The tiny amount of tooth let in such an old filling can easily get compromised.

You choose what you want with it. You can choose to be proactive and prevent the possibility of cracking and go for a dental crown. For the more conservative individuals, you can choose the latter option and not fix it.

How to Care for Your Temporary Crown

Since temporary crowns are just temporary, our dentist in Morrisburg, ON, gives a few precautions:

They warn against sticky and chewy foods like chewing gum and caramel. These can grab and pull the crown off.
Don’t overuse the side of the tooth with a crown. Shift the chewing bulk to the other side of the tooth.
Avoid hard foods like raw vegetables. These can dislodge and break the crown.
When cleaning between your teeth, please do not pull the floss. Instead, slide it out where the crown is.

What You Should Ask Your Dentist When Getting Dental Crowns

Five Questions to Ask Your Dentist

How to Care for Your Temporary Crown

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