Enjoying Better Dental Checkups

Why Should Crowns Be Placed Over Large Treated Cavities?

If you have recently gone to your family dentist and have a large cavity that needs to be attended to, then the professional may speak with you about the choice between adding a large filling and cementing a crown over the tooth. While a large filling is less invasive, cheaper, and far less time-consuming to create, crowns may be a better choice. Keep reading to learn why.

Crowns Are More Likely To Protect Teeth

A dental crown is far more likely to protect your permanent tooth and prevent a dental extraction in the future. Large cavities are ones that encompass a relatively large area of the dental enamel. When the cavity is removed and replaced with resin composite materials, the composite will be bonded to the enamel and dentin. While this helps to rebuild the tooth and make it whole, there will be a distinctive weak point where the resin meets the enamel. This weak point can lead to future cracks. If the damage is significant enough and releases a good deal of the leftover enamel and dentin, then the tooth may need to be extracted

Dental crowns create a solid structure over the tooth to replace the compromised biting edge. The crown is a solid structure, like the previously damaged tooth enamel, that can withstand the same sort of pressure and biting stress as a healthy tooth. In this way, the crown is a protective cap. Even if the crown becomes damaged, this will have no effect on the tooth. The crown will simply need to be replaced.

They Keep Cavity Concerns At Bay

You may think that the decay is eradicated from a tooth once a filling treatment is completed. This is not always the case, and something called recurrent decay can occur. Recurrent decay is when a cavity develops underneath a filling, and it is a common issue if you have soft enamel or follow poor oral care practices. 

When decay returns, your dentist will need to remove the old filling and the decay and then create a new filling in the tooth. If the cavity is large enough and close to the dental pulp, then a root canal may be needed. Also, a crown will also be suggested. 

If a crown is placed on the tooth with the large cavity during the first treatment, then this can help you to avoid recurrent decay issues and the need for more treatments. 

Contact a dental office like Crest Hill Family Dental for additional information.


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