When Is a Dental Crown Needed After Cavity Treatment?

Dental crowns can treat many dental issues, including cavities. Your dentist will always aim to keep your natural teeth. Placing caps on them can help the dentist do this. Cavities can eat away and weaken teeth. These teeth will need more support after treatments. Here are the details about when dental crowns can help after a cavity treatment.

When there is a need to replace a large damaged or worn-out dental filling

A dentist may recommend dental crowns if the tooth has a filling that occupies most of the tooth’s width. Caps can also replace a damaged or worn-out large dental filling. Crowns can cover the exposed teeth. It can protect the remaining dental structures better than ordinary dental fillings. The durability that dental crowns provide can prevent future dental damage and infection.

Large dental fillings can weaken the remaining natural dental structures. The treatment may even make the tooth more prone to fractures. This situation will need the help of dental crowns. The dentist will grind down the decayed enamel and trim the affected teeth. Then, cementing the custom caps over the treated teeth will follow.

When there is a need to protect the teeth after a root canal therapy

Severe dental decay allows bacteria to penetrate the enamel. These harmful microorganisms can reach the pulp chamber of the teeth. This inner part contains nerves and blood vessels. The dentist will need to perform root canal therapy. During this treatment, the dentist will remove the infected pulp and replace it with gutta-percha.

Dentists often recommend placing dental crowns over treated teeth. These restorations can shield these teeth from future damage and infection. The crowns will strengthen the teeth as well. Each bite and chew will keep the remaining natural dental structure intact.

The treatment

Choosing the right material for the patient’s dental crowns will be part of the consultation. Composite resin, ceramic, and metal blends are common materials. The dentist will consider the patient’s preferences. The location of the tooth and its visibility will be important considerations as well.

Dental X-rays can help the dentist see the extent of the dental decay. A root canal treatment can target the infected teeth. Filling the pulp cavities with gutta-percha will support the remaining dental structures. The dentist will then cement the custom dental crowns over the treated teeth after the root canal.

The dentist will remove the decayed parts of the teeth first. Taking an impression of the teeth will help the dental lab to create custom dental crowns. The treated teeth will then receive temporary crowns until the permanent ones are ready. The dentist will adjust the crowns on a fitting day. Once the patient finds the caps comfortable, the dentist will seal the dental crowns in place.