Fillings and crowns are two of the most common dental procedures, yet many people don’t know much about the latter. What are dental crowns? Why would I need to get them? When should I get them? They’re all valid questions, as your smile is likely one of your biggest concerns. Ultimately, if your dentist recommends a dental crown, you should probably take his or her advice, but it’s helpful to know when and why you’d need one.

Why You’d Need Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers your natural tooth. Made from synthetic materials like resin or porcelain, it restores the look of your tooth while protecting it from additional decay or discoloring. Here are some reasons why you might need a dental crown:

• To cover a dental implant.
• To protect a week tooth – or tooth with a large filling – from further damage, like cracking.
• To hold a dental bridge or dentures in place.
• To correct misshapen, discolored teeth or teeth with gaps on each side.
• To protect a child’s baby teeth from decay or damage.

Now that you know the reasons for getting a dental crown, it’s equally important to know the timing for getting one.

When You’d Need Dental Crowns

Since your dentist’s ultimate goal is to maintain or improve your smile, it’s always a good idea to follow their timeline in getting a crown. Of course, things like scheduling conflicts and finances can cause a patient to want to delay receiving a crown, but there are consequences.

If your tooth is weak or at risk for further damage, it can crack or break at any moment, meaning you’d have to get a more expensive solution like a dental implant. If there are gaps or your tooth is worn down, it could possible affect other teeth. Finally, discolored or misshapen teeth are always noticeable when you smile. The good news is that most insurances cover crowns and the dental office can work with you on an affordable payment plan to get you a crown and improve your smile.

If you’d like to find out if you need dental crowns and when you should get them, schedule a consultation with us today!