Dental crowns are among the most common forms of restorative dentistry around. Since dental crowns have been around for a long time, most people are familiar with the function of dental crowns and how these “caps” are used to protect damaged teeth. However, dental crowns in London can be expensive. This cost leads some of our patients at Maple Ridge Family Dental to wonder if they actually need a dental crown or if they can get away with just getting a dental filling.
Our dentist near you will always recommend what is best for your teeth, whether that is dental fillings, implants, or crowns. Therefore, it is important to understand when you may need a crown and what purpose the crown will serve when it comes to your oral health.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown covers a damaged, weakened, stained, or decayed tooth to protect it from further infection and support it. Our dentist in London is always working to prevent bacteria from spreading in your mouth, which means that it is often wise to get a dental crown after having an infection removed from a tooth.
Once placed, a dental crown provides support for damaged teeth, and this extra support allows the tooth to function as normal. Additionally, it prevents further damage from occurring, such as the spread of infection or misaligned bites.
Dental Crowns vs. Dental Fillings
The question then comes up: when does someone need a dental crown, and when can they get away with a simple dental filling? Usually, the choice to get a crown belongs to the patient. Our dentist will provide you with the necessary advice and information to help you make an educated decision. When deciding between dental fillings and dental crowns near you, you need to keep in mind that protecting your teeth, and keeping them in healthy condition, is the better choice for your oral and overall health.
Dental crowns are required after a root canal procedure to protect the structure of the tooth. Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy become weak since the nerve is no longer viable, and there is a lack of blood supply to that tooth.
What Are Dental Crowns Used For?
Here are a couple of common circumstances in which our dentist will recommend that you get a dental crown instead of a dental filling:
- A chipped or broken tooth– in this case, it is a good idea to get a dental crown. Once a tooth has been damaged in this way, it is important to protect it so that it doesn’t become infected. Furthermore, a dental crown will minimize the risk of further damage.
- A large filling– in some circumstances, old fillings are too large and not secure in the tooth. In this instance, our dentist will consider a dental crown to replace the filling and enhance your tooth’s appearance and functionality.
- A severely decayed tooth– if a tooth is affected by decay to the point where it is causing damage to its neighboring teeth, it is a good idea to consider a dental crown that will prevent the spread of harmful bacteria to other areas in your mouth.
Visit Maple Ridge Family Dental
If you are interested in learning more about dental crowns and if they are the right treatment for you, please get in touch with our team at Maple Ridge Family Dental to book a consultation today. We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have about this restorative procedure.