Do I really need a crown?

Have you ever found yourself sitting in the dentist’s chair as your dentist was explaining that you need a crown placed on your tooth, and wondered, “Why can’t you just do a filling instead?” This is a valid question, as a crown represents a more significant financial investment than a filling and is a somewhat more invasive procedure. The truth is that while a crown may cost more, a crown is a better value when indicated,- since it will most likely last much longer than a filling and protect your tooth better. Let’s take a look at some cases in which a filling can’t do the job of a crown.

Broken Tooth
Often, when a tooth breaks, it does so in a way that a filling is no longer a feasible treatment. To be more specific, dental fillings require a certain amount of tooth structure to retain a filling in place. Trying to place a large filling on an already severely broken tooth can leave the tooth unprotected leading to catastrophic fractures or recurrent decay. A crown covers the entire tooth, keeping it structurally sound and less likely to develop additional cavities.

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Cracked or Fractured Tooth
Some teeth will develop small cracks or fractures in them over time. These cracks may cause sharp, shooting pain on biting in addition to cold sensitivity but they can also be completely painless. If these cracks present the possibility of a tooth fracture, or if symptoms become severe, your dentist may recommend a crown. Unlike a filling, designed to cover a small hole in the tooth, a crown covers the entire tooth. After the fractured tooth structure is removed, a crown splints the remaining tooth structure together preventing the tooth from additional fractures.

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Root Canal-Treated Teeth
Generally speaking, the final step of having a root canal procedure is to have a crown placed on the tooth. A crown after a root canal ensures a tight seal over the entire tooth to prevent re-infection. It also protects a weakened root canal-treated tooth from breaking and keeps them healthy and intact for the long term.

Although having a crown placed may not be your first option, rest assured that if your tooth is broken, cracked, or had a root canal treatment, it is the best option—one that should protect your tooth for years to come.