Should I Get A Crown Or Pull The Tooth?
Dental work is not typically on anyone’s list of things to look forward to. However, many restorative procedures are extremely beneficial for your dental health. Take dental crowns for example. A crown can be placed over a damaged tooth to protect the remaining tooth and root, providing a natural look and function.
If you have a tooth that is severely decayed, cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged, your dentist may recommend a crown. This leads some patients to question whether or not a crown is worth it or if the tooth should just be pulled.
The best option for your dental and oral health is to get a dental crown. Here’s why.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a damaged tooth. The existing tooth is reduced in size to make room for the crown to fit over it. A crown looks like a natural tooth and allows you to chew effectively. The natural root of the tooth remains in the jaw for support. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or porcelain fused to metal.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer many benefits, including:
- Protects the natural tooth. A crown allows the natural tooth and root to remain in place with a protective cover over the top. The crown is fully supported by the existing tooth and root.
- Save money. A crown is a lower cost procedure than completely replacing a tooth with a bridge or dental implant.
- Looks and feels natural. Crowns can be made to look like your natural teeth in shape and color. They also feel just like your natural teeth.
- Can last for 30 years. With good care and maintenance, a crown can last for 30 years or more.
- Preserves bone structure. A crown allows the natural root to stay in place, which preserves the jaw bone structure and
- Keep teeth in alignment. A crown restoration keeps the tooth, and your other teeth as well, in proper alignment in your jaw.
- Some crowns can be placed in one appointment. With same day crowns you can have a crown placed in as little as one appointment.
Disadvantages of Pulling a Tooth
There are many disadvantages of pulling a permanent tooth:
- Bone loss. If the tooth is extracted the jaw bone will weaken and dissolve in the socket.
- Shifting teeth. Extracting a tooth may allow the other teeth to shift out of place, which can lead to gaps between teeth and general misalignment.
- Costly replacement. If you want to avoid bone loss and shifting teeth, you’ll need to replace the tooth with a bridge or dental implant, which is a more costly procedure than getting a crown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long does the average crown last?
On average, a crown lasts about 10-15 years. However with good care and maintenance a crown can last for 30 years or more. If you brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and go to the dentist every 6 months, your crown will most likely last longer than average.
How much does a crown cost vs a tooth extraction?
The cost of these procedures can vary based on your dentist’s pricing and your insurance. But in most cases a crown will cost only a few hundred dollars more than a tooth extraction, and significantly less than a bridge or dental implant.
Doctors Lake Family Dental Provides Same Day Crowns
If you have a tooth that needs a crown, but you don’t have a lot of time to spend at the dentist’s office, Doctors Lake Family Dental provides same day crowns. With CEREC technology we can create a natural looking, durable crown that can be placed in a single appointment, saving you time and money.
To learn more, call 904-264-6700 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.