Dental Crowns – 9 Reasons You May Need One

For some reason, the phrase “dental crown” evokes a frightened response from many patients, especially if it’s the first time they ever faced the proposition that they may need one. This sense of alarm is based on a common misconception that getting a dental crown means that you are losing your beloved tooth. Au contraire. We are actually saving your little pearly white. In fact, most often when one needs a crown, their tooth is no longer such a pearl.

When the first wave of panic subsides, the question I usually get is: “What exactly is a dental crown?”

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged tooth to restore it to its original shape and appearance. It is one of the most common dental procedures and has evolved (thanks to modern technology) into a practically painless procedure that serves to protect the tooth for many years.

In the past, teeth that were damaged usually had to be removed. So, in essence, dental crowns allow patients to keep their own teeth, even damaged ones, often for the rest of their lives.

The 9 Most Common Reasons that You May Need a Dental Crown Are:

• To cover and protect a tooth that has been weakened, usually due to decay.
• To stabilize sections of a cracked tooth.
• For broken tooth repair.
• To repair a tooth that has been severely worn down.
• To cover and strengthen a tooth where there is a large filling and very little tooth structure remaining.
• To reinforce a tooth that has had a root canal.
• To anchor a dental bridge in place.
• To repair misshaped or severely discolored teeth.
• To encase a dental implant.

Will it Hurt?

It is my number one goal to make sure that every patient is relaxed, comfortable, and pain free. I use local anesthesia throughout the process. When patients ask, I administer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which usually helps to make the entire procedure go by very quickly.

Between the caring ministrations of my staff, and the multimedia entertainment we offer (TV’s in every room, headphones with your choice of music), many of my patients are not only surprised when I tell them, “You’re finished!” but they also say “Wow, that was easy!”.

And that’s why I love my job!

Dr. Michael Sinkin has been practicing dentistry for over two decades. He truly cares about the experience his patients have and takes great pride in making them feel relaxed and comfortable during every visit. Come in for an appointment and experience a different kind of dental practice. Find out more about Dr. Sinkin?here

DISCLAIMER: The advice I offer in response to your questions is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. Namely, I am in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. My intent is solely educational and my responses to your actual questions serve as springboard to discussion of a variety of dental topics that come up in day-to-day dental practice. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.