Overcoming challenges when providing crowns

Nicolas Coomber discusses the importance of treatment planning.

Loss of tooth structure can occur for a number of reasons. These may include bruxism, eating disorders, and dentinogenesis or amelogenesis imperfecta. Each of these can lead to the weakening and wearing of the teeth, which eventually leads to the decline of overall oral health, making the teeth more susceptible to infection and impacting on their function and aesthetics. When patients present with signs of erosion, it is important to act quickly, so that you are able to provide them with the most minimally invasive option, helping to preserve the health of as much tissue as possible. However, in some cases, there may be extensive tissue loss, meaning that further restorative treatment could be necessary.

Making the decision to provide a crown

When performing conservative dentistry, it is important to consider whether it is suitable to offer patients a crown in each individual case. A crown may be a valid option for many, but this will depend on the extent of tooth loss, and the risk to the remaining tissue and adjacent teeth if a crown is placed. Where possible, you should implement your most conservative option first, as this could postpone the need for more invasive treatment, and therefore slow down the restorative cycle.