What if there’s not enough tooth for a crown when you need a tooth repaired?
Don’t worry. Dental professionals have all the answers when it comes to the health and treatment of your teeth.
Dental crowns are a great way to repair teeth that are severely broken or decayed, but if there’s not enough tooth to crown it, your dentist will have to get a little more creative.
Your dentist can handle the situation in a few different ways, but every solution depends on the amount of tooth structure available. Fortunately, your dentist can place a crown or fix your tooth – even if there’s not a lot of structure to work with.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what happens when there’s not enough tooth for a crown. We’ll look at possible solutions to not having much tooth structure and answer some of the most commonly asked questions, including:
- How is a crown attached to a tooth?
- Can you get a crown on a broken tooth?
- How much tooth structure is needed for a crown?
- How much tooth needs to remain for a crown?
Let’s start by reviewing the benefits of dental crowns.
Benefits Of Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap-like structure that a dentist places over an existing tooth. These caps are durable and look like natural teeth in order to restore your tooth.
People commonly get dental crowns when they have a tooth that’s severy decayed or chipped, cracked, or broken.
Some of the benefits of a dental crown include:
- Enhanced form and function: A dental crown can improve the form and function of a tooth that’s been damaged or is weakened. It can also protect a tooth from further damage.
- Improved aesthetics: A dental crown can improve the appearance of a tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or misshapen.
- Preventative care: A dental crown can help prevent a tooth from breaking or crumbling.
- Durability: A dental crown is durable and can last for many years.
Dental crowns offer excellent protection for your teeth and can improve their appearance. Plus, you’ll feel more confident knowing your teeth are strong and healthy!
How Is A Crown Attached To A Tooth?
Dentists use crowns to restore the appearance and function of a tooth that’s been severely damaged.
They’re made from a variety of materials and offer the tooth greater stability. A dentist will place a crown to help prevent further damage, improve oral health probability, and enhance the smile’s appearance.
To attach a crown to a tooth, your dentist will first remove any decay or damaged tissue. Then, they’ll take an impression of the tooth so they can create a crown tailored to your unique needs.
Your dentist will prep the area before attaching the crown with dental cement. Once your crown is attached, your dentist will file it down so it’s the same size and shape as your other teeth.
Can You Get A Crown On A Broken Tooth?
Crowns are designed to adhere to the tooth underneath, but what if the tooth is broken or missing? How is a crown attached to a tooth then?
If the tooth is more than three-quarters missing, your dentist might build up the tooth with composite resin before placing the crown. This gives your dentist a more solid foundation to attach the crown to.
If the tooth is broken, your dentist might still be able to place a crown over it – as long as the break isn’t too severe. They’ll use composite resin to patch up the crack and then place the crown over the top.
What If There’s Not Enough Tooth For A Crown?
Before we talk about what happens when there’s not enough tooth to crown it, let’s go over how teeth are structured. This is important because having enough tooth structure (and a healthy structure!) is key for successful crown placement.
Each tooth has a root that’s embedded in the jawbone. It anchors the tooth in place. The crown of your tooth is what’s visible when you smile.
The majority of the tooth is made up of:
- Dentin – the hard outer layer of the tooth. Dentin is covered in enamel, which is the hardest substance in the body.
- Pulp – the soft tissue in the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.
- Enamel – the thin outer layer of the tooth that gives teeth their color and strength.
If your tooth structure doesn’t provide enough stability for the crown to stay in place, you might need a post-and-core foundation.
For this procedure, your dentist will perform a root canal to remove the damaged pulp so there’s a strong foundation for the crown. Then, they’ll place the post in the canal and build the core up around it, which ensures that the crown is anchored in place and won’t fall off or become loose over time.
How Much Tooth Needs To Remain For A Crown?
So, how much tooth structure is needed for a crown?
In most cases, your dentist will try to leave as much of the tooth as possible so they can restore it to its original shape and size when placing a crown.
Unfortunately, if there isn’t enough tooth remaining or if a significant amount of a tooth’s structure has been removed, your dentist can’t place a crown. Instead, they may suggest other options to restore your smile.
When Can A Tooth Not Be Crowned?
There are some instances when a tooth can’t be crowned because it’s too damaged or decayed.
In these cases, your dentist may recommend other treatments, like:
- A dental bridge: a false tooth anchored by two crowns placed on the surrounding teeth
- A dental implant: a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone that acts as an anchor for the crown
Both procedures offer extra stability and a more aesthetic appearance in cases where a tooth can’t be crowned.
Discover More Dental Solutions With Northside Dental Co.
Dental crowns are an effective way to protect your teeth and improve their health and appearance. A skilled dental professional can answer all your questions about dental crowns, including:
- What if there’s not enough tooth for a crown?
- How is a crown attached to a tooth?
- When can a tooth not be crowned?
- Can you get a crown on a broken tooth?
- How much tooth structure is needed for a crown?
If you’re in the Richmond, VA area and want to learn more about how a skilled dental professional can place your crown with ease, contact Northside Dental Co. today.
We offer a wide range of dental services to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Our team of friendly, compassionate professionals is here to help you get the care you need when you need it the most.
