If you have a tooth that you are thinking about having removed and your dentist has told you that it is a candidate for a dental crown, you may want to give thought to having this done rather than pulling the tooth. The following are four advantages to having a dental crown made rather than removing the truth.

A dental crown helps keep your teeth in place

A tooth extraction will mean an empty space on your gums. This may not seem like a problem, but having a missing tooth can lead to long term issues. The teeth on the side of your mouth, where your tooth once was, may shift, and this can lead to problems that will can create further tooth loss. Of course, a solution to this is to repair your tooth with a crown instead of extracting it. This will help maintain the integrity of your gums.

A dental crown helps you chew your food

If you have a dental crown, especially on a molar, you will be able to chew your food well. But the lower cost alternative of tooth extraction will create a problem with chewing. If you only have one missing molar, you may be able to chew on the other side, but other than that, you will have to consider more expensive options in the future if you find yourself having difficulty chewing.

A dental crown can relieve pain

If your tooth is in a state of decay or is broken, you may be in pain. In this case, a dental crown can relieve pain. Whether the pain is persistent or only when you bite down on food, a reinforced tooth from a dental crown will relieve pressure. In some situations, you may need to have a root canal to kill the nerve before your tooth is fitted for a crown, but this is not always necessary.

A dental crown offers a cosmetic benefit

A bad tooth can often look discolored or stained, standing out from your other teeth. But with a crown, especially one made from porcelain, you can restore the beauty of your smile. In addition, a dental crown can be custom made to fit your tooth and blend in with the rest of your teeth.

The benefits listed above are important to consider, but equally important is that a dental crown preserves your tooth. Once you have a tooth extracted, it is gone forever. It is true that dental implants are an option for a missing tooth, but they are expensive. It is a better option to save the tooth in the first place with a crown.

For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Hyten David W DMD.