Why Your Tooth Needs a Crown: 5 Clear Signs a Filling Won’t Work
5 Top Reasons You Need a Crown
Dental fillings are an effective solution for small repairs. However, some cases call for a solution that delivers more coverage and strength. Dental crowns can tackle many issues that fillings can’t. Here are five of the most common signs that a filling just isn’t going to cut it.
1. The Crack Is Too Large for a Filling
Cracks happen all too often, but they aren’t all the same. Smaller cracks may be more of an aesthetic concern, while larger ones can pose a risk of infection and long-term structural concerns. Knowing the difference is key to choosing the right treatment option.
A small crack can often be dealt with by applying the composite resin used in dental fillings to achieve a smooth finish and beautiful appearance. However, if the crack is showing signs of growing, then this cosmetic fix may not be enough.
A crown from your local Granite City dental clinic ensures lasting protection. It replaces the damaged enamel with a new tooth made of porcelain or other ceramic materials. This makes the crown able to stand up to the everyday forces involved in biting and chewing, preventing further damage to the underlying natural tooth.
2. More Than Half the Tooth Is Missing
Whenever you’re dealing with chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth, visit your local dentist promptly so they can evaluate the extent of the damage. Fillings are surprisingly versatile and can deal with many situations, but there comes a point when too much tooth material is missing for them to be effective.
If more than half the tooth is missing, for example, a filling likely won’t be a suitable option. The gap left by significant decay or by old fillings that have become loose leaves the surrounding walls incredibly weak. This can increase the risk of the filling failing under pressure.
A crown restores the shape of the natural tooth, so it doesn’t matter if a lot of material is already missing. The replacement tooth ensures your smile is fully restored in terms of both appearance and lasting stability.
3. The Tooth Had a Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure that can help you avoid extraction in the case of an infected, abscessed, or otherwise damaged tooth. The process entails removing pulp and nerve tissue from inside the tooth, and that requires making an opening in the tooth surface so that your dentist can work.
After the root canal treatment, the interior of the tooth is cleaned and filled. However, a simple filling typically isn’t enough to cover the hole created by the procedure. Instead, a dental crown is usually chosen to ensure a reliable biting and chewing surface that won’t wear down or fail over time.
The strength of the crown helps protect the treated tooth from fractures. It provides the dependable protective layer needed to fully restore the structural integrity of the tooth after the root canal process.
You don’t have to worry about this extending the treatment timeline, either, as same day crowns are now available for maximum convenience and comfort.
4. You’re Dealing With Recurring Fractures or Worn Enamel
Dental fillings are straightforward and fast procedures, so they’re often the go-to solution for many problems. However, the severity of the issue at hand may only truly reveal itself later on, after the filling has been placed.
If a tooth that has a filling develops new fractures or chips, then it’s a clear sign your tooth needs full coverage. The already weakened and worn enamel can continue to take on damage, with fillings providing only a patchwork solution.
A dental crown replaces the worn enamel with high-quality porcelain or ceramic. The new tooth won’t have the same issues as before, stopping the cycle of breakage and avoiding any weak points.
5. Pain or Sensitivity Signals Deeper Structural Issues
If you still have pain or sensitivity after a filling, something might be wrong deeper within the tooth. You may have weakened or thin enamel all around the tooth, or an infection could take hold and require a root canal treatment.
A dental crown effectively seals the tooth, preventing sensitivity and pain from biting and chewing. It also boosts stability so that you don’t face issues related to movement or looseness.
Find Out if a Dental Crown Is Right for Your Smile
If you’re dealing with any kind of crack, chip, pain, or sensitivity, don’t wait to reach out to your trusted dentist in Granite City, Illinois. The team at Metro East Dental Care can determine whether your smile needs a filling or a crown and deliver lasting results. With a whole-health approach and a welcoming environment, we can serve as the dedicated dental home for the entire family.
We even offer convenient same day crowns. Schedule your appointment to get started today.
