Are Dental Crowns the Right Fix for a Worn Tooth?

Teeth go through quite a bit over the years. Chewing, nighttime grinding, and natural aging can all wear them down in different ways. You might not notice at first, but over time, a worn-down tooth can start to feel different. It might become more sensitive or feel rough when you run your tongue over it. In some cases, a simple filling might not be enough to fix the problem.

That is where crown dentistry comes into play. When a tooth has taken more damage than usual, Dr. Jodi & Jeff Sceville use crowns as a way to protect it and help restore how it feels and works. Instead of living with discomfort, taking care of the issue early can keep things from getting worse down the line.

What Happens When a Tooth Wears Down

Tooth wear can happen slowly, but the changes add up. During your consultation, Dr. Jodi & Jeff Sceville can help identify the common causes of wear, which include:

• Grinding your teeth at night (often without even knowing).
• Acid wear from foods, drinks, or health conditions.
• Natural aging that slowly erodes the surface of the tooth.

When a tooth becomes too worn, you might notice new sensitivity when you eat something hot or cold. The surface of the tooth could feel jagged or thin, and you may have trouble chewing. Another sign is an uneven bite; it might suddenly feel like your teeth are not lining up correctly anymore. Leaving worn teeth untreated can put stress on nearby teeth too. Supporting your full smile now can prevent bigger problems, like breakage or shifting teeth later on.

How a Crown Helps Protect a Weak Tooth

A crown is a custom-fitted cover that goes over your tooth. It is shaped to match the rest of your smile and is made to handle everyday chewing and biting. When a tooth is weak, cracked, or worn at the surface, Dr. Jodi & Jeff Sceville recommend this cap to provide a stronger shell so the tooth does not continue to break down.

Crowns are especially helpful when:

• A tooth has deep cracks or large chips.
• There has been repeated work on the same tooth.
• A filling will not be strong enough to hold.

By covering the worn parts of the tooth, a crown helps stop more damage from happening. It also smooths out rough spots so the tooth feels more comfortable again. With support in place, the tooth can do its job without pain or added stress.

When Is a Crown the Right Choice?

Not every tooth needs a full crown. Sometimes, a filling or simply smoothing out the surface can be enough. However, when wear adds up past a certain point, Dr. Jodi & Jeff Sceville may suggest a crown to provide the necessary support.

Covering the tooth is usually the best choice when a tooth has a deep crack that goes beyond the surface or when a filling would leave too much of the tooth exposed to future damage. At Sceville Dentistry, Dr. Jodi & Jeff Sceville provide dental crowns made from high-quality materials like porcelain and zirconia. These options allow the crown to be matched to your surrounding teeth, restoring both function and appearance simultaneously.

What the Crown Process Looks Like

The process for getting a crown takes a few steps. It begins with a thorough exam by Dr. Jodi & Jeff Sceville to look closely at the health of the tooth. If a crown is a good fit, the tooth is shaped so the crown fits snugly and naturally. This involves making small adjustments to the edges or surface to allow room for the new covering.

Digital imaging is used to create precise impressions, ensuring your final crown fits perfectly and matches your natural bite. While the final crown is being crafted, a temporary one is usually placed for your comfort. Once the final crown is ready, Dr. Jodi & Jeff Sceville check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and bond it securely into place.

Caring for a Crowned Tooth

Once a crown is in place, it still needs daily care like the rest of your teeth. Dr. Jodi & Jeff Sceville recommend good brushing and flossing habits to help keep the area around the crown clean and the gumline healthy.

To keep your crown in good shape:

• Brush gently twice a day using a soft-bristled brush.
• Floss carefully around the crown to keep the edges clean.
• Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, which might damage the material.

Regular dental visits are essential. Checkups allow Dr. Jodi & Jeff Sceville to spot early signs of wear around the crown and ensure the tooth beneath stays healthy.

Support for Your Smile When Teeth Feel Worn

Worn teeth often start with small changes but can lead to bigger problems if left alone. Whether it is one or several teeth that feel different lately, noticing the signs early gives you more options for care.

At Sceville Dentistry, Dr. Jodi & Jeff Sceville know that worn teeth can affect both your comfort and confidence. With their expertise in crown dentistry, they provide an effective solution to protect and restore your teeth using advanced techniques and high-quality materials.