When Does Your Tooth Need a Porcelain Dental Crown?

Although dental crowns have been around for years, many people still need to learn about their use. Before agreeing to dental crown treatment, you must understand the need. Crowns are often the recommended treatment for repairing damaged teeth to restore their usefulness and keep them from having to be removed. However, crowns are versatile and can serve multiple purposes in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. If you’re not sure if a porcelain dental crown is the right treatment for you, your El Cajon, California dentist, Dr. Laurel Morello, can guide you in making the best decision for your oral health.

When Crowns Are Needed

A porcelain dental crown, also called a tooth “cap,” is a hollow, tooth-shaped covering used mainly to protect and support a damaged tooth. A cracked or broken tooth is highly susceptible to decay or infection, not to mention further breakage. By covering that tooth with a crown, Dr. Morello can protect it from infection and crumbling. Dental crowns are custom-made in a lab to conform to the size and shape of your teeth. They’ll completely cover a compromised tooth to the gum line, sealing it from bacteria and decay and protecting it from further damage. A dental crown can help save a tooth from extraction by keeping it intact.

Crowns are permanent restorations—once cemented in place, they become an enduring part of your smile. The crown contains any damage to your tooth. A porcelain crown also helps restore your tooth’s function by aiding in biting and chewing. A dental crown can make a damaged tooth whole, healthy, and functional again.

Before & After Results

In addition to repairing damaged teeth, crowns may also be necessary in the following situations:

• Protect Weak or Worn Teeth: Dr. Morello may recommend a crown for a weak or worn tooth to prevent cracking or damage. Crowns can also prevent tooth damage, so weak or worn teeth can continue to be used.
• Support a Severely Decayed Tooth: When removing severe decay, Dr. Morello may need to remove more tooth structure before placing a filling. This can leave your tooth vulnerable to cracking. Crowning your tooth gives it extra strength and support to avoid damage in the future. The crown also serves as a shield against future infection and decay.
• Strengthen a Root Canal Tooth: Teeth undergoing root canal treatment are also vulnerable due to their fragile structure. Topping that tooth with a porcelain dental crown will fortify its structure to restore its usefulness.
• Complete Other Restorative Treatments: Dental crowns are also used in other restorative dental treatments. They help support fixed dental bridges and function as replacement teeth for dental implants.  

Affordable Crowns for Teeth Near Me

For a consultation on dental crown treatment in El Cajon, CA, contact Laurel Morello, DDS, at (619) 404-2634.

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