Chicago Dentist for Life

This is the 1st tip of “The Crowning Touch – 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns” eBook, which is available as a free download.

If your Chicago Dental Professionals have recommended a crown to be placed on your tooth, you may be wondering, “Why do I need a crown, instead of just a filling?” The recommendation is based on two primary factors:

1. Size of the cavity
2. Severity of the tooth decay or damage

Dental fillings are designed to repair minor tooth decay, or small cavities. These cavities are caused by plaque and bacteria that have eaten through the enamel of the tooth, resulting in decay. When this occurs, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth, then fill and firmly seal the space with a dental filling made of a metal amalgam or special tooth-colored composite material.

Dental crowns are like caps, or covers, that sit over a portion of your existing tooth to protect it from further deterioration. Crowns will make the tooth look whole again and can provide a strong, surface for chewing. Dental crowns are customized to fit perfectly over any individual tooth, based on a customized mold that is taken of the mouth.

If the cavity is small, the tooth will support the filling. Dental crowns are used in cases where tooth decay is more severe, and require more than just a simple filling to support the tooth. They may also be recommended if the tooth has suffered other damage.

A general guideline is if a filling takes up more than a third of the tooth’s surface, a crown is used to support and strengthen the remaining tooth structure and protect it from cracking.

If you’re suffering with tooth pain and you’re debating on whether or not to get a dental crown, please make an appointment to come see our Chicago Dental Professionals. Be sure to take a visual tour of our offices before you come so you can rest assured that you’ll be in caring, capable hands. Call (312) 938-3999 for more information.

-Dr. Katz