When faced with a broken tooth, your two options are to place a dental crown over it or completely extract it. While this may feel like a matter of preference at first, it’s actually a matter of priority. Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist will probably recommend one method over the other. But what factors help determine what’s best for you? Learn about how dentists decide when to suggest a dental crown or a tooth extraction and where’s the best place to get either procedure done in Fontana!
What Your Dentist Will Most Likely Recommend
To put it simply, tooth extractions are typically reserved as a last resort. Your dentist will always want to preserve your existing natural teeth at all costs since an adult tooth isn’t something that can be replaced by naturally growing a new one. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good and there’s no going back. For situations where the tooth can still be saved, a dental crown is a more reasonable option. Having a sturdy and reliable cap placed over the existing tooth is a great way to effectively preserve what’s left before things can get worse. A dental crown can be used in the following situations:
- To hold a cracked tooth together
- To protect any remaining teeth underneath the gums
- To cover up any chipping as a result of physical trauma or grinding
- To hide any flaws or imperfections
- To be placed over a root canal
- To complete a dental implant
Why Dental Crowns Are Better
There are so many reasons why you would want to hold off on a tooth extraction for as long as you can and get a dental crown instead. One of the most significant differences is the fact that getting a crown is much easier, faster, and less painful than going through with an extraction even when you factor in recovery times. Crowns can last decades if taken care of properly, and they can be made to look identical to your natural teeth for a discrete solution. And since they’re made of synthetic materials, you never have to worry about your crown decaying.
The Prerequisites For Getting A Dental Crown
Who can get dental crowns? For a crown to be able to stick to the spot for a long time, there needs to be enough of the tooth root present to act as a sturdy foundation. If the condition can be resolved with a simple filling, then that will always come first. You should also keep note that tooth decay that’s become too severe or widespread might not be contained with a crown and may need a full extraction.
How Bad Is It?
| Minor | Moderate | Severe |
| Dental Filling
A small cavity can be stopped with a bit of filling. This is usually enough to halt the decaying process as long as it’s caught early on. |
Dental Crown
When a dental filling won’t be enough to stop and cover up the problem, a dental crown provides an all-around barrier that’s effective in containing the issue. |
Tooth Extraction
For situations that are too far gone, you may have no choice but to have your teeth completely extracted to stop the spread of any diseases. |
Getting A Dental Crown: An Overview Of The Process
What is it like getting a dental crown? The overall process is quite simple:
- You will begin with a consultation and exam so the dentist can inspect your mouth in great detail for an effective plan and the most custom-fit crown.
- The dentist will remove any and all traces of decay to help prevent the spread of bacteria after the crown is already in place.
- The existing natural tooth can be smoothed out as needed to accommodate the crown with a flat surface.
- Your custom-made dental crown will be set in place and secured by a special dental glue that can last over a decade depending on how well it’s applied and taken care of.
| What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Every dental office has its own preferred material for dental crowns. Some may go with composite resin in order to cut costs, but for a long-lasting solution that can look similar to your other natural teeth in color and consistency, look for a dentist that provides crowns made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. |
When It’s Time To Skip The Crown And Get An Extraction
Dental crowns are great, but there will be times when a tooth extraction is imminent. Such times are when a tooth is already too decayed or damaged beyond being saved. Another good indicator is if an infection has already spread to the root of the tooth. The reason why extractions are reserved as the last option is that the result of the procedure is irreversible. And when the gum is left exposed afterward, you will most likely need restoration surgery done to cover up the area and avoid any infections. Both tooth extraction and tooth restoration surgery can be painful and costly. So even if you’re adamant about getting your tooth removed, try to see if you can get a dental crown first.
The Best Place In Fontana For Dental Crowns And Tooth Extractions
Whether you need a filling, crown, or extraction, Southridge Dental Group is the best dental office in Fontana for getting all of these procedures done. You will begin by being greeted by friendly and accommodating staff before seeing a compassionate specialist who will gladly walk you through every step of the process and answer any questions or concerns you might have. Call 909-822-9090 to schedule your dental appointment.