Can a Dental Crown Prevent Further Tooth Damage?

How a Crown Protects a Damaged Tooth

Imagine a tooth which has had a significant amount of its structure removed due to decay or a very large filling. It may look fine to the eye from across a room, but it has less natural structure to deal with the force of biting and chewing. This is where a crown can be beneficial.

The crown itself will spread out some of that force over the surface area of the crown. This is especially important for teeth with less of their natural structure remaining which may not be able to handle another filling.

Why Crowns Are Recommended Following Root Canal Therapy

Teeth which have received a root canal often require additional structure due to the fact that often a great deal of the tooth has been removed to access and treat the nerve. The crown itself does not perform the function of a root canal, but protects the treated tooth following the procedure.

This is one of the places where a crown is an ideal solution. The type of force placed on a back molar during chewing can easily fracture a tooth which has been through a root canal and significant structural removal.

Can A Crown Prevent Further Decay of the Tooth?

A crown can help to protect the structure of a tooth from fracturing, but it cannot prevent decay on the sides of the crowned tooth where plaque can accumulate. This is especially true if proper brushing techniques are not utilized.

Decay can easily form along the sides of the crown and eat into the existing structure of the tooth. It is important that any decay is removed by a dentist before a crown is installed. The fit of the crown is also a factor in preventing decay-causing bacteria from accumulating along the sides.

When Is A Crown Not Sufficient In Restoring A Damaged Tooth?

Some level of damage may be too great to be restored with just a crown, or in some cases, may be downright dangerous to attempt to save. If the damage to the tooth includes an active infection of the root or insufficient structure to properly affix a crown, other options may need to be considered.

Indications That A Crown May Be Necessary For Your Tooth

• A visible break or area where the tooth has broken away. This is especially true if you already have a large filling.

• Pain in the tooth when biting down. This can be an indication that the tooth has suffered internal damage which requires additional restoration.

• Frequent tooth sensitivity around a tooth which has received heavy restoration.

A crowned tooth which is visibly damaged in any way should be brought to the attention of a dentist immediately.

• Avoidance of chewing on a specific side of your mouth due to discomfort

Damage to the tooth which makes it difficult to chew may not seem like an issue, but can cause the affected side to stop being used without your knowledge.

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