Why do I need a crown?

First bicuspid (middle tooth) crown

Sometimes this question is asked differently; Why can't I have a filling instead of a crown. The answer is relatively simple. When tooth structure is compromised by the size of the hole in a tooth after a dentist has cleaned out all decay the tooth may be at risk for fracture if restored with a simple filling. Crowns provide a means of providing full protective coverage . This allows a better distribution of forces placed on the tooth by their occlusion  and should lesson the risk of fracture.

Another reason that dentists often advocate a crown is for teeth with cracks that can't be removed easily. Teeth can develop cracks (small fissures). If left unprotected these cracks are more likely to propagate and can eventually cause a tooth to need a root canal or even require extraction. Crowning these teeth can protect them and help prevent a crack from propagating, while filling them may not protect the tooth sufficiently.

Sometimes crowns are recommended for other reasons, including opening a bite and improving the esthetics of the teeth. Composite Bonding can be used to achieve these last two goals as well, but the results may not be as long lasting and also can be more technique sensitive.

from Ask Dr. Spindel - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/2018/02/why-do-i-need-crown.html - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/

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