Think about what can happen when a tooth loses a chunk. It can affect the ability to chew properly if the tooth has taken a hit to the chewing surfaces. You may find yourself subconsciously avoiding the tooth, impacting the way you chew.<\/p>\r\n
The crown that gets placed covers up the prepared tooth and has a new chewing surface that has been contoured to meet the other teeth. This is actually a very important detail. Getting a crown that doesn’t meet the tooth it is meant to bite against properly can throw off your bite.<\/p>\r\n
Teeth that have a big chunk missing or a deep crack can be prone to breaking in places that have been compromised, under the pressure of chewing. Each bite you take puts force on the tooth.<\/p>\r\n
A crown can help wrap around and support the remaining chewing surfaces of the tooth. This is especially important if there isn’t enough tooth material left for a filling to adequately hold and restore the tooth.<\/p>\r\n
There is a strange phenomenon that occurs with teeth and the ability to chew. You tend to think about it the most when you are experiencing some sort of dental issue.<\/p>\r\n
It seems like such a small thing, but once your tooth can chew the way that it is supposed to, you won’t think about it quite so much.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Having a crown that is too high can make biting down uncomfortable, especially when your teeth come together.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Having a properly contoured chewing surface can restore the tooth to its natural function instead of making you aware of it with every bite.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 As with any dental procedure, some discomfort with chewing is normal, but if you notice that your tooth is continually sensitive or in pain, you should call your dentist instead of trying to ignore it.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 If a tooth has lost a significant amount of its structure, restoring it with a crown is much more durable and long-lasting than relying on a filling that has to hold on to whatever material is left.<\/p>\r\n
Crowns are a good choice for teeth that have been compromised but still have enough structure left to be restored. Big cavities can sometimes leave a tooth with too little material left to support a filling. Cracks can weaken the remaining tooth material. Root canal treatments can leave teeth brittle, and needing extra support.<\/p>\r\n
On the other hand, not every badly damaged tooth is necessarily a candidate for a crown. If there is only a small portion that needs to be restored, another type of restoration might be a better choice. It is important to let your dentist know how much of your tooth is left and how much pressure it can handle.<\/p>\r\n
You will most likely feel uncomfortable at first while your teeth adjust to the new crown. Your mouth will get used to the new normal, and you should only have to think about it if it starts to feel like something is wrong.<\/p>\r\n