A filling works well when lower teeth have healthy structure to support it.. If a large part of lower teeth is missing a filling alone may not give lower teeth the strength it needs. A crown fits over the remaining teeth and restores its shape allowing lower teeth to handle everyday biting more normally.<\/p>\n
This is particularly useful for molars because lower molars deal with strong chewing forces. A crown also covers the part of lower teeth, which means lower teeth are not constantly worried about whether the next bite will hurt or cause another crack.<\/p>\n
teeth that have had root canal treatment often need a crown afterward. The treatment removes tissue from inside lower teeth but the remaining lower teeth structure can still be vulnerable. A crown gives teeth external protection once treatment is complete.<\/p>\n
Your dentist first checks teeth and takes an X\u2011ray if needed. Your dentist needs to know whether lower teeth are strong enough to support a crown and whether there is any infection underneath teeth.<\/p>\n
Lower teeth are shaped so the crown can fit over teeth properly. This sounds worse than it usually feels because local anaesthetic keeps the area numb. Your dentist takes an impression or digital scan of the prepared teeth and sends the details for the crown to be made.<\/p>\n
At the appointment your dentist checks the fit and lower teeth bite before cementing the permanent crown in place. The bite check matters more than people realise. A crown that sits slightly too high can make chewing uncomfortable. Leave lower teeth feeling strange every time lower teeth close down.<\/p>\n
Your dentist will recommend a material based on where lower teeth sit and how chewing force lower teeth receives. For a back tooth strength usually matters more than making the crown look exactly like a front tooth.<\/p>\n
Common choices include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Zirconia, which’s popular for back teeth because it has a reputation for handling heavy chewing forces.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Porcelain\u2011based crowns can give an appearance although your dentist will consider how much pressure the particular lower tooth takes.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Metal crowns have strength and tend to need less removal of natural lower tooth structure though the appearance isn’t for everyone.<\/p>\n
Once the crown is fitted treat the crown like a lower tooth. Brush around the gum line and clean between lower teeth every day. The crown itself cannot decay. The natural lower tooth underneath and around its edges still can.<\/p>\n
You do not need to become terrified of eating either. Just be sensible while the crown is new especially if your dentist has given you instructions about the temporary crown.<\/p>\n
If a lower tooth has decay, a large filling, a crack or has recently had root canal treatment a crown is often a practical way to protect what remains.. Lower teeth have to be assessed first. A crown isn’t automatically the answer, for every damaged tooth.<\/p>\n
Your dentist will look at the amount of lower tooth structure left and check lower teeth bite before recommending one. Your dentist may also discuss alternatives if lower teeth do not have support.<\/p>\n