It’s always a tough decision when it comes to preserving your natural tooth. However, certain dental conditions will require you to decide between a tooth extraction or a dental crown.
In this post, we will share which is the best solution between tooth extraction or dental crown for your situation.
Q: Is it better to get a dental crown or have a tooth extraction?
A: The choice between a dental crown or a tooth extraction will depend on the condition of your natural tooth. The tooth root, which connects your tooth to your jaw, must be intact if you choose to have a dental crown.
However, if the tooth root has cracks or is already damaged, your natural tooth will be beyond saving and needs to be extracted.
Tooth extraction is also necessary if an infection has already spread or the tooth root has cracks where the bacteria can start another tooth infection. Patients may also opt for tooth extraction when it comes to costs since it is more affordable than crowns.
Ideally, dental crowns are better if your tooth can still be saved. They help keep your tooth structure below the gum line intact and protect the tooth surface from further damage. What makes dental crowns a good investment is it restores the look and function of your damaged tooth.
When do you need a dental crown?
The strength and appearance of a natural tooth can never be replicated. That’s why every dentist tries their best to preserve your natural teeth and make tooth extractions as a last resort.
A dental crown is one of the final possible restorations before a dentist decides to pull your tooth. It is also the best solution for:
- Protecting a severely damaged tooth due to tooth decay
- Holding a cracked or broken tooth together
- Restoring a chipped or worn down tooth due to teeth grinding
- Supporting other dental treatments such as bridges and dental implants
- Covering tooth imperfections such as tooth stains, chipped tooth, and misshapen teeth
How does a dental crown work?
A dental crown is a tooth-like cap used to cover a severely damaged tooth due to tooth decay. It is a permanent dental appliance made up of materials, such as composite resin, porcelain-fused to metal, zirconia, porcelain, or stainless steel. The whole treatment takes two days for fitting and installing your actual crown.
First, your dentist will get your tooth impression and shape your natural tooth to fit over your crown. Your tooth impression will then be sent to the dental lab to create your actual dental crown. On your second dental visit, your dentist will bond the dental crown to your natural tooth.
Benefits of dental crowns
Most patients consider crowns to restore their teeth over tooth extractions due to the following benefits:
- Covers all your tooth imperfections. such as stained teeth and chipped tooth
- Doesn’t decay
- Prevents the risks associated with tooth loss
- Maintains your facial structure
- Keeps your teeth aligned
- Non-removable
- Non-invasive procedure
- Restores your smile with less to no recovery time
- Lasts for a maximum of 15 years
Dental crowns are better than tooth extractions since you still get to keep your natural teeth intact. Several dental conditions are associated with tooth loss. Thus, making tooth extractions the last option for most dental professionals.
Learn more about the condition of your teeth to seek dental advice by scheduling an appointment now. Soft Touch Dental provides comprehensive dental services, including tooth extractions and dental crowns in Florissant. Let our dental team help you maintain your oral health and save your teeth while there’s still time.
