Do I really need to get a dental crown in Wichita?

Your teeth may be damaged for any number of reasons. A damaged tooth is at a higher risk of becoming infected and needing to be removed if it is not treated appropriately. If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist may suggest that you have a crown placed to protect the tooth.

Why would you need a dental crown?

A dental crown functions by covering an existing tooth so that the compromised tooth will have a stronger exterior. Usually, this will be necessary because a tooth has been weakened needs this protection to stop further damage from occurring. In some cases, dental crowns may be used on healthy teeth to support a dental bridge. Some patients may even choose to have a crown placed over an unattractive tooth as a cosmetic solution. Most of the time, we place crowns to protect or restore a damaged smile.

Are there any alternatives?

If you need only the cosmetic benefits of a dental crown, there are a number of alternatives, such as dental veneers, whitening, and bonding. Even if you need a restoration for a lost tooth, a crown is not always necessary to complete the restoration; a partial denture can be used to replace the tooth instead. However, if an existing tooth is damaged and needs a crown for protection, most of the time your only other option is to have it extracted. Leaving your tooth exposed when it has been infected or has multiple fillings will allow plaque (bacteria and food particles) to continue to attack the tooth every day.

Allowing your dentist to cover your damaged tooth with a crown after the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned will give it a better chance of lasting longer. If you want to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible, don’t hesitate to let your dentist in Wichita place a dental crown to protect your smile.