A dental crown is a covering applied by a dentist to restore a flawed tooth’s appearance. This cap, made from ceramics, porcelain, metal alloys, or composite resin, is custom-built to comfortably fit your mouth and look like a real tooth. If your dentist recommended this treatment, learn more about some possible reasons why below.

When Might You Need a Dental Crown?

1. Broken Tooth

It's possible to break or crack a tooth in an accident, while playing sports, or from frequent grinding. If the tooth is severely damaged or partially missing, a dentist can place a crown over it to restore its shape, size, and strength, protecting it from further injury.

2. Decay

Some people wait too long to seek dental care for cavities, allowing the decay to grow so large that a filling can't resolve it. Once the decay is removed, there may not be much of the tooth left. A crown can be installed to protect what remains while maintaining a natural-looking smile. A dentist will typically recommend this option if there's less than half the width of the original tooth remaining.

3. Root Canal

Root canals treat the infected pulp of a tooth by removing infected areas. However, this process often leaves one or more teeth hollowed out and vulnerable to cracks or breaks. In this case, a dentist can place a crown over the affected teeth to protect them from future fractures.

If you need a dental crown, Charles P. Debanne, D.D.S., in Hamilton, OH, can help. Along with Laura M. Arnold, D.D.S., this practice has offered family and cosmetic dental care for more than 20 years. They work with patients of all ages using digital X-rays and intra-oral cameras to develop personalized treatment plans. Call (513) 887-6654 to schedule an appointment today, or visit their website to learn more about their services.