When a tooth loses a lot of its structure the remaining parts have to take on more pressure when you bite down. This can be dangerous. A weakened tooth may crack more because only a small part of it is left to handle everyday chewing forces.<\/p>\r\n
A crown fits over the tooth and gives it a stronger outer surface. When you chew the crown takes most of the force. Spreads it out across the tooth instead of letting one weak area carry all the stress.<\/p>\r\n
A crown is often recommended in these situations:<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 When a large filling has left the tooth with walls making normal chewing feel less secure.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 When a tooth has a crack but still has enough healthy structure for the crown to stay in place firmly.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 After root canal treatment the tooth usually needs protection because much of its original shape has already been removed.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 When a tooth has worn down or broken over time and requires coverage than a regular filling can offer.<\/p>\r\n
A crowned tooth can become much better at handling damage compared to the tooth without protection.. It doesn\u2019t become stronger than a fully healthy natural tooth. The tooth under the crown is still the tooth. It still depends on its structure to stay stable.<\/p>\r\n
This is why a fit matters so much. A made crown protects the tooth while letting you chew normally. You shouldn’t have to think about your tooth all day<\/p>\r\n
The dentist will shape the tooth so a crown can fit properly over it. An impression or digital scan is taken to make the crown. A temporary crown might be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made.<\/p>\r\n
None of this should be rushed. A crown is meant to last for years so getting the foundation right is more important than trying to save a few minutes during the visit.<\/p>\r\n
Most of the time yes. That\u2019s one of the main reasons crowns are used.<\/p>\r\n
Not every weak tooth can be saved with a crown. If decay has spread far if the tooth has cracked deeply or if there isn\u2019t enough structure left to support the crown another treatment may be needed.<\/p>\r\n
Truthfully getting a crown before a tooth breaks further is usually better, than waiting. What starts as an issue can quickly grow into something much bigger. Once more tooth structure is lost your options get limited.<\/p>\r\n