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Posted on 5/30/2019 by Dr. Castellon |
If you have a large cavity, you're going to need a large filling. But do you need a crown on top of it? Many of our patients are concerned about crowns due to the additional cost. However, there are a number of reasons we recommend getting a crown put on, especially with a large filling. In fact, if the filling is of a certain size, a crown is really a requirement. What Does a Crown Do?A crown is like a cap that goes over the top of the filling. It restores your tooth to its natural size and shape. The crown actually strengthens the tooth and makes certain that your filling won't fall out.When Is a Crown Needed?If you have a really large filling, it may not even be possible to fill it. You might have to have a crown put on in order to continue using the tooth. The only other option could potentially be an extraction. Sometimes, filling a large cavity can even later cause your tooth to break. If that happens, there's often no option other than to remove the tooth.You may also need a crown put on a tooth that's been worn down or has a major crack in it. Having a tooth that's the incorrect shape might also benefit from a crown. Putting a crown on one of these teeth can make it look more regular-shaped and fix your smile. Finally, having a root canal requires a crown. This crown serves to protect the tooth from further damage and restores its strength. Without a crown, your tooth could easily become damaged again. Do you need a crown? If you have a cavity, a cracked tooth, or other damage, call to make an appointment today. We'll check it out and let you know if a crown would be needed. |