Crowns are a great way to restore a damaged tooth. But here are other alternatives that are just as safe and successful. Learn about them below to make a decision that’s right for you!

A simple filling can treat most instances of tooth decay. Yet sometimes, a tooth becomes so severely decayed or fractured that a filling will not suffice. Instead, a dental crown is needed.

Dental crowns are also quite versatile, too. They can cap a root canal-treated tooth or finish off a dental implant. Getting a dental crown is a straightforward procedure, typically taking no more than two office visits. Your dentist will decide if a crown is the right option for the tooth being treated. But you can also read over the benefits of a crown and other possible alternatives to consider.

The benefits of a dental crown

Used for decades, dental crowns offer several benefits in restoring a weak or damaged tooth. Here are just a few of the advantages of having a dental crown:

Preserves most of the natural tooth. A crown fits over your natural tooth, keeping most of its structure and preventing further damage. And maintaining most of the natural teeth is always a better option than an extraction. 

Looks like a natural tooth. Most crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic that match the tooth’s natural color. Crowns are also made to mimic the natural shape of the tooth, which fully restores its appearance and functionality. You can chew with a crown as you would with your natural tooth.

Long-lasting. Crowns are strong and durable and can last up to 15 years with proper dental hygiene. To keep the crown intact, avoid hard, sticky foods that could dislodge or scratch the crown. 

Complications from dental crowns are rare but could range from chipping to possible decay if the crown isn’t fitted snugly over the tooth. There is also a slim chance of an allergic reaction to the crown materials. Since a layer of enamel must be removed before the crown is placed, you may experience slight sensitivity to hot and cold immediately following placement. But those drawbacks shouldn’t deter you from getting what is an effective dental restorative procedure.

Four alternatives to dental crowns

Dental crowns can successfully repair a damaged tooth, but they’re not your only alternative. Consult with your dentist about these four options beyond a crown:

Veneers. A discolored, chipped, or oddly shaped tooth can be fixed with a veneer, a thin layer of porcelain applied to the front of the tooth. However, veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure and cannot restore a tooth with significant decay or damage. For that, you’ll need a crown.

Extraction. Your dentist will make every effort to keep most of your natural tooth with a dental crown. But if a tooth cannot be saved because the decay is too extensive, it will need to be extracted. A bridge or implant will be placed where the extracted tooth was.

Dental implant. Instead of a crown, you can choose a dental implant. After the tooth is pulled, a metal post is drilled into the jawbone. A crown then tops off the post, giving you a natural-looking tooth. The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that 2.3 million implant-supported crowns are placed annually. Unlike a crown, a dental implant is a more lengthy, extensive procedure.

Inlay or onlay. Sometimes, a tooth has too much decay to repair with a filling yet may not need a full crown. An onlay or inlay covering only a portion of the tooth can make it whole again.

Do you need a crown? 

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Cheyenne, WY, location today! Our highly trained dentists will discuss whether you need a crown or if another alternative is possible. Don’t live near our Cheyenne, WY, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Cheyenne, WY
7112 Commons Circle
Cheyenne, WY 82009