Dental Crowns vs Implants and Other Alternatives
Crowns are dental restorations that are designed to replace a damaged tooth without having to extract said tooth. A crown is simply cemented on top of the damaged tooth after it has been shaped into an abutment. But why do people need crowns, and are you qualified to get one?
When are Crowns Used?
These are the most common instances when people need to get crowns:
- Teeth with a large fracture. If you have a small fracture on your tooth, it’s easy to restore it with bonding. However, if the fractured area is large, you will need to get a crown to replace the damaged parts of the tooth. A veneer may be used but it doesn’t replace the damaged parts of the tooth. It only covers up the surface and leaves the back of the tooth exposed and susceptible to decay.
- Teeth requiring a large filling. If your tooth had a lot of decay inside it, you will need to get a lot of filling to restore the material inside. However, a large filling makes a tooth weak and easily breakable because of the material used. A better way to fix the tooth is by restoring it with a crown, which is more durable and stable than a dental filling.
- Post-root canal treatment. A root canal treatment requires the removal of the top part of the tooth or the occlusal surface. A crown is best used to restore it because it covers the entire part of the tooth that was removed in the endodontic treatment.
- Teeth with broken or damaged cusps. If your tooth has damaged cusps (the bumpy edges on the tooth surface), a crown can be used to restore them. The crown can be molded in the exact shape as your old tooth.
- Teeth with worn enamel. If your tooth has completely worn enamel due to problems like GERD or regular consumption of acidic foods and beverages, you may need to get a crown to replace the damaged tooth. This will eliminate the sensitivity of your worn teeth and restore your tooth’s health.
- Misshaped teeth. If you have an oddly shaped tooth and you don’t want to get an expensive veneer, a crown can be a good substitute. It will require more tooth material to be removed because the tooth will be trimmed into an abutment, but this option is more cost-efficient and the end result will be esthetically satisfying.
- Dental implants. If you have lost a tooth and you would like to restore it permanently, you will need to get a dental implant. This metal screw is embedded into the gums and bonds with the alveolar bone. On top of the screw, an abutment will be attached for the crown to be cemented.
Why Should You Choose Crowns over Other Dental Restorations?
As compared to veneers, dentures and fillings, crowns have the following advantages:
- Cost. Crowns are more affordable than veneers and have fuller coverage. While fillings may be cheaper, they don’t offer the same coverage and durability as crowns.
- Appearance. Porcelain crowns are esthetically appealing and can match the color of your teeth perfectly. They can be custom-molded to achieve a better and more pleasing fit on your mouth.
- Biocompatibility. Crowns are made to match the human anatomy and they don’t cause any negative effects on the mouth.
- Longevity. Crowns can last for many years, possibly the patient’s entire lifetime. Veneers are less resistant and can easily break as well as composite fillings.
How to Get Crowns from Mint Dental
Mint Dental Clinic advocates for optimal treatment and patient satisfaction. We always strive to give the best service possible for all of our patients. If you have any questions about crowns and other dental treatments, just give us a call and we will be happy to help you. Our senior dentist will schedule an in-depth examination to see if crowns are the best dental restorations for your specific problem.
