How Do You Know if Dental Crowns are Best for a Damaged Tooth?
Are you considering dental crowns to
enhance your smile or address ongoing dental concerns? At DiBartola Dental, Bridgeville restorative dentist, Dr. Wayne DiBartola and our experienced team understand that choosing the right dental treatment requires careful consideration. With over three decades of serving the Bridgeville community, we’re committed to helping you make informed decisions about your oral health.
In this helpful guide, we’ll explore both the advantages and potential drawbacks of dental crowns, ensuring you have all the information needed to make the best choice for your smile. Whether you’re seeking to improve your smile’s appearance or require restorative dental treatment, understanding the possible drawbacks and benefits of dental crowns is essential before moving forward. Call our Allegheny County dental practice at (412) 221-9440 to schedule your consultation.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Enhanced Aesthetics
Dental crowns excel at
transforming the appearance of your smile. At DiBartola Dental, we understand that each patient’s smile is unique. If you’re dealing with discolored, misshapen, or severely decayed teeth, our custom dental crowns offer a natural-looking solution.
Dr. DiBartola takes precise measurements and carefully selects materials that perfectly match your natural tooth enamel, ensuring your restored smile looks completely natural. These crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural teeth throughout, ensuring a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Increased Strength and Durability
Modern dental crowns are
engineering marvels designed to withstand the daily demands of chewing and speaking. Using premium materials such as high-grade porcelain or advanced metal alloys, our dental crowns provide exceptional protection for weakened or damaged teeth, including cracked teeth, by holding the entire tooth together and preventing further damage. By completely encasing the affected tooth, a dental crown not only prevents further deterioration but also restores full functionality, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods with confidence.
Versatility
The versatility of dental crowns makes them an excellent solution for various dental concerns. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth from a sports injury, have a large filling that needs additional support, or require restoration after a root canal, Dr. DiBartola can customize a dental crown to address your specific needs. These crowns not only support and protect the damaged tooth but also reinforce the overall structure of the treated tooth. We offer multiple dental crown options, in different materials, including all-porcelain crowns for a natural appearance and metal alloy crowns for maximum durability.
Support for Dental Prosthetics
Dental crowns play a crucial role in supporting other dental restorations. A permanent crown provides essential stability for dental bridges and serves as the visible portion of dental implants, ensuring your replacement teeth function naturally and look beautiful.
Prevents Teeth Shifting
When you lose a tooth, neighboring teeth can gradually shift into the empty space, leading to alignment issues and bite problems. By combining crowns with dental implants or bridges, Dr. DiBartola can help maintain proper tooth spacing and prevent unwanted movement of your remaining teeth.
Disadvantages of Dental Crowns
Sensitivity
Some patients experience temporary
sensitivity to temperature changes following dental crown placement. At DiBartola Dental, Dr. DiBartola works carefully to minimize post-procedure discomfort and provides detailed instructions for managing any sensitivity, which typically resolves within a few weeks as your tooth adjusts to its new crown.
Risk of Tooth Decay
While crowns protect teeth from further damage, proper oral hygiene remains essential. Without regular brushing and diligent care, tooth decay can develop where the dental crown meets your natural tooth structure. Our team will teach you effective cleaning techniques and provide regular maintenance to ensure your crowned tooth stays healthy for years to come.
Removal of Natural Tooth Structure
Preparing a tooth for a dental crown requires removing some natural tooth structure to ensure proper fit and function. Dr. DiBartola uses precise techniques and advanced technology to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while ensuring your crown’s long-term success.
When to Consider an Alternative Treatment
While dental crowns offer numerous benefits, they may not always be the ideal solution. Alternative treatments might be more appropriate in cases of:
- Minor tooth damage
- Orthodontic needs
- Cost considerations
- Complete tooth loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Can food get stuck under the dental crown?
While a properly fitted dental crown should create a secure seal around your tooth, small food particles can occasionally become trapped. Dr. DiBartola ensures precise dental crown placement to minimize this issue, and our team will teach you effective cleaning techniques to maintain healthy teeth and optimal oral hygiene.
When can a tooth not be given a temporary crown?
Several factors may make a tooth unsuitable for a dental crown:
- Insufficient remaining tooth structure
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Excessive tooth mobility
- Significant bite alignment issues
Are dental crowns stronger than dental fillings?
Dental crowns generally provide superior strength and protection compared to fillings, especially for extensively damaged teeth. During your consultation, your dentist, Dr. DiBartola will evaluate factors such as tooth location, remaining structure, and your specific needs to recommend the most appropriate restoration option.
Make an Informed Decision About Your Oral Health
Ready to learn if dental crowns are right for you? Dr. DiBartola and the team at DiBartola Dental are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with personalized care and advanced dental solutions.
Serving Bridgeville and surrounding communities including Scott Township, Carnegie, Heidelberg, and Upper Saint Clair, PA, we’re committed to providing exceptional dental care close to home. Contact our Bridgeville dental office at (412) 221-9440 to schedule your consultation today.