For some reason, the phrase “dental crown” evokes a frightened response from many patients, especially if it’s the first time they ever faced the proposition that they may need one. This sense of alarm is based on a common misconception that getting a dental crown means that you are losing your beloved tooth. Au contraire. We are actually saving your little pearly white. In fact, most often when one needs a crown, their tooth is no longer such a pearl.
When the first wave of panic subsides, the question I usually get is: “What exactly is a dental crown?”
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged tooth to restore it to its original shape and appearance. It is one of the most common dental procedures and has evolved (thanks to modern technology) into a practically painless procedure that serves to protect the tooth for many years.
In the past, teeth that were damaged usually had to be removed. So, in essence, dental crowns allow patients to keep their own teeth, even damaged ones, often for the rest of their lives.
The 9 Most Common Reasons that You May Need a Dental Crown Are:
- To cover and protect a tooth that has been weakened, usually due to decay.
- To stabilize sections of a cracked tooth.
- For broken tooth repair.
- To repair a tooth that has been severely worn down.
- To cover and strengthen a tooth where there is a large filling and very little tooth structure remaining.
- To reinforce a tooth that has had a root canal.
- To anchor a dental bridge in place.
- To repair misshaped or severely discolored teeth.
- To encase a dental implant.
Will it Hurt?
It is my number one goal to make sure that every patient is relaxed, comfortable, and pain free. I use local anesthesia throughout the process. When patients ask, I administer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which usually helps to make the entire procedure go by very quickly.
Between the caring ministrations of my staff, and the multimedia entertainment we offer (TV’s in every room, headphones with your choice of music), many of my patients are not only surprised when I tell them, “You’re finished!” but they also say “Wow, that was easy!”.
And that’s why I love my job!
Dr. Michael Sinkin has been practicing dentistry for over two decades. He truly cares about the experience his patients have and takes great pride in making them feel relaxed and comfortable during every visit. Come in for an appointment and experience a different kind of dental practice. Find out more about Dr. Sinkin here
Pat hyder says
My dentist found a cavity under a steel crown. He wants to repair cavity and put on new crown. Could the old one be reused?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Pat,
An understandable question, but in general the answer is no, the crown cannot be reused. In the rare situation that a well-fitting crown becomes dislodged from a tooth and there is a cavity on the tooth that does not compromise the fit and seal of the crown then the cavity can be addressed and the crown recemented. If the cavity is under the crown and the crown has to be cut off to gain access to the decay, then a new crown is needed. If your crown is a, in fact, a steel crown, it is probably very old and your dentist’s approach seems reasonable.
Good luck,
Dr. Sinkin