When visiting our Mesa, AZ office, your smile is our top priority. Whether you are seeking cosmetic or restorative dentistry, Dr. Vinh Huynh, DMD will provide a comprehensive treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Your best oral health is our ultimate goal. We take a conservative approach to dentistry, striving to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. For this reason, we will not ever make a point to recommend dental treatment unless it’s absolutely necessary. Including dental crowns.
Listen To Your Mouth Carefully
We have all experienced the story that your car develops a noise but it seems to disappear when you take it to the dealership. Very similarly, you may experience a tooth ache in your mouth. And by the time your appointment comes around, it not longer hurts. Our bodies often send us warning singles. While they may not be as obvious as the lights on your dashboards, it is important to listen to your body, especially your mouth.
A small twinge when you chew or an occasional dull ache are both signs that bigger problems may lie ahead.
Why Does A Tooth Need A Crown?
You have an old silver filling.
If you have a silver, or amalgam, filling in your mouth, chances are high that it has been there a very long time. Amalgam fillings used to be the go-to restoration to repairing dental decay. They are very durable and are able to withstand very heavy bite forces. However, these fillings require a large amount of tooth structure to be removed and they do not bond well to the teeth. Over time, the margins of amalgam fillings begin to separate and hairline fractures in the tooth structure appear. Symptoms of these issues can include cold and sweet sensitivity as well as occasional bite sensitivity. In most cases, when replacing an amalgam filling, a crown is often recommended instead. This is because once all the amalgam is removed, there is just not enough tooth structure to support another filling and keep the tooth strong.
Your tooth is cracked.
When there is a fracture in the tooth structure, the most common way to repair it is with a full coverage crown. When there is a crack or fracture in a tooth, you will most likely feel a quick pain when eating crunchy foods. This pain leaves just as quickly when the pressure of your bite is released. This is because when you bite down into something, you are actually feeling the tooth flex from the fracture. Cold sensitivity is also a common symptom. A full coverage crown allows a complete seal around a tooth preventing any flexing of the tooth structure and protects the tooth from further damage.
After a root canal.
A crown is nearly always recommended following root canal therapy. A root canal involves completely cleaning the nerve from the tooth. This means the blood supply to the tooth is gone and the tooth is essentially dead. You will not have any feeling in the tooth once the nerve is removed. Over time, a root canal tooth becomes brittle, which drastically increases its risk for breaking. By placing a crown over a tooth after root canal therapy, the tooth is protected.
Large area of tooth decay.
Occasionally, dental decay can be completely asymptomatic. You may be surprised to hear at your next preventative care appointment that you have developed a very large area of decay. If this is the case, our highly skilled staff and Dr. Huynh will show you on radiographs where the area of decay is. When decay is too large to safely place a tooth colored composite filling, a crown will be recommended. But just because you are asymptomatic now does not mean that you are clear from symptoms if decay is left untreated.
Avoid Delaying Treatment
Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest level dental care possible. Your oral health is our top priority. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide when to follow through with your treatment. Putting off treatment due to busy work and home life is understandable. Taking time out your schedule is difficult sometimes. However, delaying treatment only puts you at risk for more dental work down the road and the possible need for an emergency dental visit. A weakened filling can easily become a painful broken tooth. Just as easily, a small fracture can result in the need for a root canal or even the loss of a tooth. Going forward with recommended treatment early will keep you out of pain and avoid tooth loss.
With the advanced skill and knowledge of Dr. Huynh paired with the latest advances in dental technology, we are able to offer the most comfortable dental experience. If you have been told you need a crown or have symptoms of cold, sweet or bite sensitivity contact our Mesa, AZ offices today. Let Eastport Dental help you achieve your best oral health!
