When it comes to restoring a damaged tooth, a crown is often the go-to solution. They’re designed to cover and protect a weakened tooth, restoring its size, shape, and strength. But what if there is not enough tooth for a crown?
It’s a common concern, but rest assured—there are several options available to ensure your smile stays strong and functional.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what happens when there isn’t enough tooth structure for a crown, why it might happen, and the alternatives you can consider.
Read on to discover the best solutions for your dental health.
How Dental Crowns Work
When a tooth is damaged or decayed, the restoration process typically begins with preparing the natural tooth. This preparation involves removing any decayed tissue and shaping the tooth so that the crown can securely fit over it.
An impression of the tooth is then taken to create a custom crown that matches the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. In some cases, dental crowns can be made on the same day using advanced technology, allowing for a quicker procedure.
However, if a custom crown needs to be fabricated in a dental lab, patients may wear a temporary crown for a while until the final one is created. Once the permanent crown is ready, it is placed over the prepared tooth, restoring its function and appearance.
How Much Tooth is Needed for a Crown?
Typically, at least a quarter of the tooth’s visible portion is necessary to properly support a crown. If a significant amount of the natural tooth is missing, additional steps may be needed to create a stable foundation for the crown to stay securely in place.
Why Would There Not Be Enough Tooth for a Crown?
A dental crown requires a certain amount of tooth structure to be effective. The crown needs to fit securely over the tooth to restore its function and appearance. However, in some cases, a tooth may be too damaged or decayed to hold a crown securely.
Here are some reasons why a tooth might not have enough structure for a crown:
Extensive Decay: If a tooth has suffered from severe decay, there may not be enough healthy tooth remaining to support a crown.
Cracks or Fractures: Teeth that are cracked or fractured may have lost significant structural integrity, making it difficult for a crown to fit properly.
Large Fillings: If a tooth has a large filling that has worn away over time, the remaining tooth structure may not be strong enough to support a crown.
Tooth Wear: Over time, teeth naturally wear down due to grinding or general use, leaving less of the tooth to support a crown.
So What If There’s Not Enough Tooth for a Crown?
If your dentist determines that there’s not enough tooth remaining for a traditional crown, you may be wondering what your options are.
Fortunately, there are a few effective solutions to ensure that your tooth is protected and restored.
Rebuilding the Tooth
If your tooth is missing significant structure but is still relatively healthy, your dentist may recommend rebuilding the tooth. This procedure involves adding a special material to the tooth to restore its shape and size. Once the build-up is in place, the tooth will have enough structure to hold a crown securely.
Post and Core
For teeth that have been severely damaged, a post and core may be the best solution. This procedure involves placing a small metal post inside the root canal of the tooth. The post is anchored into the tooth’s root, supporting the core material built up around it. The core material is then shaped to restore the tooth’s size and shape, allowing for crown placement.
Dental Implants
If a tooth is too damaged to be restored with a crown, and there’s not enough structure left for a post and core, a dental implant might be the solution. Implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a custom-made crown is placed on top to restore the tooth’s appearance and function.
Dental Bridge
This treatment also requires removing the damaged or decayed tooth. However, a dental bridge uses an artificial tooth to fill the space left behind. The artificial tooth is secured by surrounding teeth or dental implants. In some instances, bridges can be used to restore multiple damaged or missing teeth.
Conclusion
When there isn’t enough tooth structure left for a crown, it doesn’t mean that restoration is impossible. With solutions like dental build-ups, post and core procedures, dental implants, or even dental bridges, you can still achieve a functional, beautiful smile.
Be sure to consult with an experienced dentist to determine the best option for your specific situation.
Don’t Let a Damaged Smile Keep You From Smiling Confidently
At Abadin Dental, we specialize in restoring your smile with the latest in dental crown technology and other restorative options.
Contact us today by calling (305) 783-3750 to learn how we can help you get back to a healthy, beautiful smile!
You can also schedule an appointment through our website or visit our offices at 504 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
FAQ
How much tooth do I need for a crown?
Typically, at least a quarter of the visible part of the tooth is needed to support a crown. If more tooth structure is missing, additional procedures may be required to create a stable foundation.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
Getting a dental crown is generally not painful as the procedure is done under local anesthesia. Any discomfort after the procedure is usually mild and temporary.
Can I get a crown if there is no tooth?
If there is no tooth left, a dental implant can be used as a replacement. An implant provides a stable base for a crown when there is insufficient natural tooth structure.
