When you go to the dentist, your primary goal is to preserve your natural teeth, right? Sometimes, if you need dental work beyond professional cleanings, you may have questions about the treatment your dentist suggests; if they recommend a dental crown, you might be curious why you can’t just get a filling in your tooth to save on some of the cost. If you’re searching for a Kauai dentist and need a dental crown instead of a filling, there are valid reasons to justify the extra expense.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a cap that covers your entire tooth; crowns are aesthetically pleasing and look like natural teeth, but they serve other purposes as well, including:
- Preventing infection – If your tooth has extensive decay, the dental crown will keep bacteria from getting into the area and causing further infection.
- Supporting your tooth – Once your dentist places your dental crown, it immediately begins supporting your damaged tooth. Since the crown covers your entire tooth, it allows you to have full functionality when you bite down, and it will help you avoid bite issues later since your crown is the same size as your other teeth.
- Repairing a broken or worn tooth – A dental crown restores the shape and function of teeth.
When Is a Dental Crown Strongly Recommended?
Your dental care decisions are always yours, but at Kalaheo Dental Group, we will map out all your possible treatment options and have an open conversation about your choices moving forward. Here are the circumstances in which we would strongly recommend a dental crown over a filling:
- A broken or chipped tooth – Once you have broken or chipped your tooth, it is susceptible to bacteria entering the area, leading to tooth decay, so a dental crown is the best option.
- A large filling – If your tooth has a large filling already, it is in a weakened state, and a dental crown can prevent further decay and support the tooth.
- A tooth with extensive decay – If you have extensive decay in a particular tooth, a dental crown will protect your tooth from further damage and support it better than a dental filling.
Do You Need More Information?
If you need information on dental crowns in Kalaheo, HI, please get in touch with Kalaheo Dental Group at (808) 332-9445, and our professional staff will be happy to assist you.