Alternatives to Crowns
Treatment alternatives
After a lot of tooth structure has been lost, your choices are limited. You could choose to
try a filling.have the tooth extracted.delay treatment.restore the tooth with a crown.
Trying a filling
A filling may be an alternative, but only when enough tooth structure is available to hold the filling in place. If not, biting forces can cause the tooth to break when you chew. After a tooth breaks, it often requires much more extensive treatment, sometimes even extraction.
Having the tooth extracted
Extracting a tooth instead of restoring it is only a short-term solution. Teeth need each other for support. A missing tooth sets offa chain reaction of shifting teeth and receding jawbone. Changes in your bite can also increase your risk for tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and maybe even more tooth loss.
Delaying treatment
If you choose to delay treatment, the situation is just going to get worse. A tooth that has lost a lot of structure may break below the gumline and require extraction. Tooth decay or fracture can allow bacteria to get into the pulp of the tooth, causing pain and requiring root canal therapy to save the tooth.
Restoring your tooth with a crown
A crown is an excellent way to restore a damaged tooth. It seals out plaque and bacteria, covers and protects the tooth, and restores its strength and shape. That's why we recommend a crown to help keep your tooth and smile healthy.