Dental Crowns vs. Tooth Extraction

One of the first rules of dentistry is that it is best to save the natural tooth whenever possible, such as with a dental crown. However, a tooth extraction procedure is an effective alternative when this is not an option. If you are unsure which is right for you, our general dentist can help. They will evaluate your dental condition and then recommend one of these two options to restore your smile.

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns restore damaged teeth. They fit over the tooth like a cap, making them an effective restoration for teeth that will not improve with dental bonding. Since bonding simply fills in the damaged area of the tooth (such as in the case of a cavity filling), crowns are a better option when there is moderate to severe damage to the tooth.

There are many types of dental crowns. Some are tooth-colored, enabling them to blend in with the rest of the teeth. All-ceramic or porcelain dental crowns are increasingly popular for this reason. Metal crowns are another common option, but they are silver in appearance. This makes them more noticeable.

When to get a dental crown

A general dentist may recommend a dental crown for various reasons. The most common is restoring a weak, cracked, chipped, or decayed tooth. For example, patients typically receive a crown after root canal therapy. They may also act as a component of other restorations, such as dental implants or bridges.

About tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is a common procedure in which the tooth is pulled out completely. This does not mean that the patient has to live with a missing tooth, however. A general dentist may recommend an implant, bridge, or other restoration. Not only will this restore the patient’s full bite force, chewing ability, and smile, but it will also save the jawbone from deteriorating.

When extracting a tooth is recommended

A general dentist will only recommend tooth extraction as a last resort. It is standard practice in the dental industry to save as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Therefore, the dentist will first consider a dental crown and, if not an option, will recommend tooth extraction.

Dental conditions requiring tooth extractions include teeth that cannot erupt properly (impacted teeth), severe gum disease or tooth decay (cavities), and deep tooth fractures. However, the tooth does not have to be severely damaged to warrant a tooth extraction. For instance, crowded teeth may also require an extraction to create space and allow orthodontic treatment.

The bottom line

A general dentist will evaluate the health of the tooth as well as its placement when recommending either dental crowns or tooth extraction. The more severe the damage, the more likely a crown will not do the job on its own. In such cases, the dentist would recommend tooth extraction and a follow-up dental restoration.