Dental crowns are a popular way for you to fix damaged teeth and help preserve your smile. But, how do you determine when a crown is appropriate? Being aware of the signs and your treatment options can lead you to be more proactive, which is key to keeping your oral health in check.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that is shaped like a tooth and sits on top of your existing tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. Crowns can be made of a variety of materials, including porcelain or ceramic or even metal, as the best option will depend on your dental situation. If you’ve been having any damage or decay of your teeth, a dentist in SW Calgary can examine your tooth and suggest the most appropriate type of crown for your smile.
What are Dental Crowns & Bridges in SW Calgary Used For?
Dental crowns & bridges in SW Calgary are commonly used for the following reasons:
- Protection of weak teeth: Teeth that have decayed or have large fillings that have compromised the tooth
- Restoration of broken or worn teeth: Teeth that may be broken or worn down
- Coverage of dental implants: Crowns can be used to cover a dental implant to have a tooth-like appearance
- Support the dental bridge: Crowns would act as anchors to hold a dental bridge in the space of missing teeth
- Improve power aesthetics: Crowns can cover discoloured or misshapen dentition
Dental crowns can not only restore function but also improve the power of your smile.
Signs You Need a Dental Crown
Determining if a crown is necessary for your tooth can help you avoid larger problems in the future. Pay attention to the following symptoms:
- Pain in the tooth when chewing or biting
- Noticeable cracks or fractures
- Worn-down teeth from grinding
- Large fillings which could compromise the tooth structure
- Discoloured teeth that cannot be whitened
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food/drink
When to Get a Dental Crown
The timing of when to get a dental crown will depend on the extent of damage done to the tooth. If you are unsure, a dentist near you can examine your teeth and may recommend a crown if any of the following are present:
- The tooth is cracked or fractured
- A large cavity and a filling will not work
- You recently had a root canal
- You desire the tooth to appear better
If you wait too long, you may lose the tooth, and timely treatment is important to avoid this.
Dental Crown Treatment Options
There are several dental crown treatment options available, depending on your needs:
| Option | Description | Benefits |
| Porcelain Crowns | Matches natural teeth colour | Great for front teeth |
| Ceramic Crowns | Strong and natural-looking | Durable and aesthetic |
| Metal Crowns | Made from gold or alloys | Very strong, long-lasting |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal | A combination of strength and appearance |
Good for back teeth |
Your dentist can help you determine which type best suits your tooth and your way of life.
Tooth Damage and Dental Crowns
Damage can occur to your teeth due to decay, trauma, or grinding. Crowns are used to protect the tooth and restore its function. If you do not treat your tooth damage, it may become further, for example, into the need for possible tooth extraction or even causing infection. Visiting the dentist regularly will enable all of your oral health concerns to be identified early.
How to Know If You Need a Crown
Paying attention to your teeth and getting regular dental check-ups is the key to knowing if you need a crown. Getting a tooth evaluated early can save you from ongoing pain, while also being beneficial for your oral health. The dentist will look at the tooth and recommend the best option for your tooth, whether that is a crown or another procedure.
Restore Your Smile at Cedarbrae Family Dental
At Cedarbrae Family Dental, we help patients protect and restore their teeth with comfortable and effective dental crown procedures. Whether you have a cracked tooth, a filling that takes up 40% or more of your tooth, or if your tooth requires a bridge, our team will help you understand your options, as well as make sure your smile looks and bites very well.
Take the first step today—book a visit at Cedarbrae Family Dental and give your teeth the care they deserve!