Indication for Full Coverage Crowns
Dental crowns are a durable, reliable option for the treatment of a variety of dental issues. The primary clinical function of a dental crown is protecting the internal components of the tooth while restoring or maintaining the tooth’s structure and shape. There are several indications for dental crowns, including but not limited to:
- Root canal treatments
- Extensive tooth decay
- Dental implants and other dental prosthetics
- Cosmetic restorations
- Damaged or broken teeth
- Dental alignment and arrangement
Much like the outer enamel layer of a tooth, a dental crown preserves the tooth-like structure of a tooth while defending against damage to the tooth’s sensitive inner tissues. A dental crown can also be used to help a tooth function as it should, especially after extensive dental work, like a root canal; in these cases, the crown protects the vulnerable tooth and provides a stable chewing surface. Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes, to conceal teeth that are discolored, damaged, misshapen, or broken. When cosmetic crowns are used, they are often crafted in lifelike porcelain material, which is particularly beneficial in the aesthetic areas near the front of the mouth. In many cases, these cosmetic crowns serve a dual purpose that is both cosmetic and clinical, restoring the appearance and function of the damaged tooth and protecting against the sensitivity that can arise when a tooth is damaged.
While there are many indications for full coverage crowns, the primary purpose of the crown varies from case to case. For example, during a root canal, an endodontist removes bacteria and infection from a damaged tooth, saving the natural tooth but compromising the strength of the tooth structure. This can occur when damaged tissue must be drilled out, or when the interior of an infected root canal has sustained extensive damage, which can occur when infection remains untreated and is allowed to spread. Because of the thorough, invasive measures needed to remove destructive infected tissue, the tooth may not be strong enough to support natural function like chewing. Placing a crown onto a root canal-treated tooth helps improve the function of the tooth and prevent additional damage.
Crowns may also be used for similar means when a tooth has extensive tooth decay; once the tooth is filled, the sizable filling is protected and preserved by a full coverage crown. On the other hand, some patients have dental crowns placed for cosmetic reasons, to modify the appearance of the teeth by masking visible imperfections like discoloration or staining, or to adjust the length of teeth with worn-down edges. While such crowns still protect the tooth, their primary purpose is cosmetic, rather than medical or restorative. Still other patients rely on dental crowns to replace missing teeth, using dental implants to support crowns or using crowns to support dental bridges. Because full coverage dental crowns can be made from a variety of different materials, patients and clinicians can choose the material that best suits their needs, opting for highly durable alloys when extra strength is needed and selecting lifelike porcelain when a lustrous, toothlike appearance is preferred. With so many indications for full coverage crowns, it’s unsurprising that they’re such a popular, effective solution for so many people.