A dental crown becomes the only viable option to save a tooth when the tooth’s structural integrity is severely compromised and insufficient natural tooth structure remains to support a filling. This typically occurs in specific situations where a filling would not provide enough strength or protection.
Key reasons a dental crown is necessary:
Extensive Decay: When a cavity is too large for a standard filling, removing all the decay leaves a significant portion of the tooth missing. A filling relies on the remaining healthy tooth missing. A filling relies on the remaining healthy tooth structure for support, and without enough, it will fail. A crown, by contrast, covers and reinforces the entire remaining tooth.
Cracked or broken teeth: For a tooth with a significant crack, chip, or fracture, a filling cannot hold the pieces together or prevent the crack from spreading. A crown acts like a “cap” or “helmet,” encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth to bind it together, prevent further flexing and damage, and restore its function.
After root canal treatment: Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy often become brittle and weakened because the internal pulp is removed. A crown is almost always necessary, especially for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces, to protect the tooth from facturing and potential loss.
Large number of failing existing fillings: if a tooth has had repeated dental work or is composed mostly of filling material, it is significantly weakened and prone to fracture. A crown can provide the necessary long-term stability and protection in these cases.
In these scenarios, a filling is an insufficient solution that would likely fail prematurely, potentially leading to more serious and costly problems like infection or tooth loss. A crown provides comprehensive, long-lasting protection and strength, making it the only option for preserving the natural tooth.
At the Smile Team, we provide our clients with the best treatment options for them so book a consultation with Dr. Abid Hidayat today. We are open Mondays to Saturdays and speak GUJARATI, HINDI, URDU, TAGALOG and ARABIC. You can reach our family dental care office in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, by calling 416-546-5599.