When a Dental Crown May Be Recommended
Dr. Klein may recommend a crown when a tooth shows signs of significant damage that suggest it may be at risk of breaking under normal biting forces. These signs may appear in teeth that have large fillings, teeth that have been heavily worn over time, teeth that have developed cracks from biting forces or trauma, or teeth that have been treated with a root canal.
In these situations, a crown can restore the strength and support the tooth needs to handle everyday biting and chewing. Crowns are also used to restore dental implants, support dental bridges, and occasionally improve a tooth's shape, appearance, and function when needed.
How a Dental Crown Protects a Tooth
The outer layer of a tooth, called enamel, is the hardest substance in the human body and acts as a strong protective shell. Beneath the enamel is a softer layer called dentin, which protects the tooth's nerve and blood supply, called the dental pulp.
When enamel becomes weakened by cracking, large fillings, decay, or heavy wear, the tooth can become vulnerable to breaking under normal biting forces. Once that protective outer shell is compromised, the dentin underneath is more susceptible to damage.
A dental crown replaces that damaged outer layer. During the procedure, the tooth is carefully shaped so the crown can fit securely over it like a protective cap. Once cemented in place, the crown becomes the new outer surface of the tooth, restoring its strength and protecting the remaining tooth underneath.
Much like a cast protects a broken bone, a crown holds the tooth together and protects it from breaking under the heavy forces of biting and chewing.
When a More Conservative Option Is Possible
In some situations, a tooth may need more strength than a filling can provide but may not require a full crown. In these cases, Dr. Klein may recommend a restoration called an onlay.
Crowns are known as full-coverage restorations because they fit over the entire tooth. Onlays, by comparison, are considered partial-coverage restorations. They function like a crown over the damaged portion of the tooth while leaving healthy tooth structure untouched.
Onlays are often considered a compromise between a filling and a crown. They provide significantly more strength than a traditional filling while preserving more natural tooth structure when the situation allows. In the right circumstances, they can be both a conservative and effective solution.
What to Expect When Getting a Crown
typically takes two visits. The same general process is used for both crowns and onlays, with the difference being how the tooth is shaped to support the restoration.
During the first visit, local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable. Any decay and old filling material are removed from the tooth to make sure it is healthy and that no underlying damage remains.
In some cases, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a crown on its own. When this happens, the foundation of the tooth is rebuilt to create a stable base for the crown. This step is called a core build-up.
Once the tooth has a solid foundation, it is carefully shaped so the restoration can fit securely. A 3D digital scan is then taken of the tooth, the adjacent and opposing teeth, and your bite. This allows the final crown or onlay to be precisely crafted to fit the tooth and match your bite and surrounding teeth. This modern scanning technology replaces the traditional dental impressions many people remember as an uncomfortable mouthful that had to remain in place for several minutes.
An acrylic temporary crown is then placed to protect the tooth while the final crown or onlay is being crafted by our trusted local laboratory. At the second visit, the temporary restoration is removed and the custom crown or onlay is carefully checked for fit, appearance, and bite alignment.
Once everything looks and feels right, the restoration is permanently cemented in place, restoring the tooth's strength and function.
