For most dentists, treating tooth decay remains one of the core services that we perform. While there are a number of options for assisting patients with dental decay such as tooth fillings, inlays and onlays and root canal treatment, dental crowns are often used for decayed teeth repair as a last resort.
In this post, we’re going to talk about why a dental crown is used, how it can help and aspects you need to be mindful of. So let’s get started…
What exactly is a dental crown?
A dental crown sits over the visible part of the tooth and is a tooth-shaped cap. That is, the part of the tooth that sits above the gum line. Once in position, it becomes the new tooth surface where biting and chewing take place.
Modern dental crowns can be made from many materials including porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-ceramic and all-porcelain. Each one has its own advantages depending upon where it is placed in the mouth and its main function. When placed over a tooth a dental crown provided protection, restores structure and regains full functionality.
How much tooth is needed for a dental crown?
Typically dental crowns are recommended for cases where ¾ of the tooth has been affected by damage or decay. In other words, they are used in cases where it is no longer viable to apply dental filling material or to fit inlays or onlays. Therefore, dental crowns are designed to fit over a minimal tooth surface. As such, they make an excellent option for decayed teeth repair when much of the initial tooth structure has been eroded.
So how are dental crowns placed?
Before a dentist places a dental crown they will numb the area with an anaesthetic, At your request, they may also be able to provide varying levels of sedation. This is ideal for nervous or anxious patients. Once you are ready, your dentist will begin by removing the decay from in and around the tooth. Any remaining tooth will then be shaped so that it can support the dental crown.
In cases where decay has reached the inner-most layer (the pulp chamber), the dentist may first need to perform a root canal procedure. This removes the decayed pulp from the root canal chambers. The chambers are then flushed with an anti-microbial solution, backfilled with a rubber-like material and sealed. This material is known as gutta-percha, also acts as internal support for the remaining tooth structure as well as the dental crown.
What happens when there is insufficient tooth structure for a decayed teeth repair?
In cases where there is insufficient tooth structure then the tooth can sometimes be built up using a composite resin material. Once applied, the resin material hardens and once the structure is sufficient, the dental crown can finally be placed.
Advantages of using dental crowns for decayed teeth repair
Protection
One of the primary purposes of a dental crown is to protect a damaged tooth. When a tooth is broken, cracked or in this case, decayed, it’s at risk of receiving further damage. Dental crowns help protect what is left of any remaining teeth, allowing the patient full or normal bite capability. Dental crowns can also act as a protective layer over weakened teeth or in cases where a tooth could easily sustain further damage.
Restoration
Dental crowns can also be used as part of restoration so in addition to capping an existing tooth they are also used to restore a missing tooth gap as part of a dental bridge. A dental crown can also be used to top a dental implant to complete a smile.
Decayed teeth repair and dental crowns – Factors to be aware of
What can happen when using dental crowns for purposes of decayed teeth repair is that because the crown is connected to the natural tooth underneath, then decay can form around the edges of the crown itself.
The only way to fix a dental crown with decay around the rim is to remove the crown, treat the tooth decay and replace it with a brand new crown. As you can imagine this can be time-consuming and expensive for any patient concerned.
As a result, it’s vital to pay particular attention to clean in and around the outer edges of the crown where it meets the tooth. Regular and thorough brushing and flossing are mandatory if you want to preserve not only your teeth but also your dental crown/s.
Most dentists can provide you with specialist tools to ensure that this happens so don’t forget to ask your dentist or hygienist about how best to keep dental crowns clean after decayed teeth repair.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are an effective and long-lasting method of decayed teeth repair but are typically used as a last resort when other methods like fillings or dental inlays/onlays are no longer viable. To ensure any form of longevity, a dental crown needs to be cared for just like existing teeth using regular and thorough daily brushing and flossing.
If you want to know more about decayed teeth repair using dental crowns or if you have a problem tooth that needs attention, come and talk to No Gaps Dental. We have 15 dental practices scattered throughout the Sydney Metro area so we are conveniently positioned to help you get the treatment you need when you need it most.
Schedule an appointment at a No Gaps Dental clinic near you today. Call us now on (02) 8806 0227.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.