Dental Crown for Front Teeth: What to Know Before You Get One

Why a Front Tooth Needs a Crown

A crown is generally used to restore a tooth that has sustained significant structural loss beyond simple repair. This may include following a major fracture or decay. Sometimes the tooth has already had root canal therapy performed on it.

A crown, in such cases, can protect whatever natural tooth structure remains from excessive stress upon biting. The dentist will also assess how much healthy tooth structure is present before proceeding as a crown on a tooth lacking in structure won’t address that issue.

It Has to Look Like a Real Tooth

Front teeth crowns differ in one significant way from those placed on back teeth. You don’t want a front tooth crown to stand out from the surrounding natural teeth. The shade has to be right and the shape has to complement your existing smile, not just fill a space.

The dentist may want to check the shade of the surrounding teeth before beginning the crown fabrication. If you are planning on having your teeth whitened, this should be brought to the dentist’s attention before the shade of the crown is selected since it may affect the color selection. Finishing changes to the crown are often difficult to control once it has been created.

What Happens During the Treatment

Your dentist will most likely want to perform some sort of diagnostic examination first. This can include taking a radiograph if they suspect there are any issues beneath the surface. The tooth is then prepared so that the crown can be placed.

You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and you shouldn’t have any pain beyond some pressure throughout most of the procedure.

Looking After Your Front Tooth Crown

While a crown is a durable restoration, it still has to be affixed to a natural tooth which means that decay can still occur around its edge if proper care isn’t taken.

There are a few things to remember in regards to caring for a front tooth crown:

• Avoiding chewing on particularly hard items and using the front teeth as a tool are advisable since they can crack, chip or break the crown. Most people tend to avoid using the front teeth for such tasks anyway however it is something to be mindful of.

• Flossing should be performed carefully but with regularity since plaque can build up along the gum line and around the restoration which could cause periodontitis or tooth decay and neither of these conditions are desirable around a crowned tooth.

• If you frequently grind your teeth while you sleep, it is important to bring this to your dentist’s attention as they may prescribe a nightguard to protect the crown. Grinding can put a strain on the crown and potentially damage it.

• If the crown becomes unsecured, do not try to glue it back in place with some type of household adhesive. Contact your dentist right away.

Is a Crown Right for Your Front Tooth?

A dental crown is appropriate for a tooth that has sustained damage or decay beyond simple restoration. The loss of structure compromises the tooth’s durability and functionality but a crown can prolong its life significantly.

However, a crown is not necessarily the right solution for every type of damage or decay particularly more minor forms. In some cases, bonding can be performed as a more conservative alternative.

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