It can happen before you’re even aware of it: one day you have just a couple crowns, and the next thing you know you have half a dozen or more. Then your dentist tells you at your next visit that you need two more. At this point, you may ask yourself, how many dental crowns are too many?
Crowns 101
Before looking more closely at that question, let’s look first at what crowns are.
Also called a cap, a dental crown is an artificial cover for a tooth. The tooth must be ground down to allow for the crown to be placed on top of it. There must be some tooth remaining for a crown to work; a crown is not intended to replace missing teeth.
Crowns can be made of many different types of materials including porcelain, gold, ceramic, and resin, each with its own pros and cons. Today’s ceramic crowns look incredibly natural and can fit in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
Some common reasons for a crown include:
- To restore a tooth that has seen significant damage or decay
- To improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth
- To close a small gap between teeth
- To hold a dental bridge in place
Crowns can last five to fifteen years (or even more) when taken care of properly. They’re a good choice for restoring individual teeth that look natural and function just like regular teeth.
Why so many crowns?
Still, as great as crowns are, the ideal situation is to not have any at all. Presumably, your dentist had good reasons for recommending each one of your crowns, whether for one of the reasons listed above or something equally valid. If you have multiple crowns, then it might be time to examine why and see if there’s something you can do about it.
Is it because of advanced tooth decay in multiple teeth that can’t be addressed with a simple filing? If so, perhaps you can take steps to be more proactive in taking care of your teeth, with extra brushings during the day, extra cleanings during the year, and special sealants from your dentist to reduce cavities.
Do you have multiple crowns due to physical damage to your teeth? Maybe you need to wear a night guard to stop damage such as cracked teeth that is caused by tooth grinding. Or maybe you need to wear a mouthguard or helmet when playing sports to prevent injuries to your teeth.
These are just a few examples. If you don’t remember why you got your crowns in the first place, ask your dentist and then discuss whether there’s anything you can do to be proactive and avoid the need for more crowns in the future.
Alternatives to multiple crowns
There is no perfect alternative to a dental crown, but if you’re determined not to get another crown, there are some options depending on what the crown is intended for.
If the crown is intended to improve the appearance of the teeth, then one alternative is getting a veneer instead. If the crown is intended to restore a heavily damaged or decayed tooth, then maybe you’d rather have the tooth extracted and replaced with an implant.
This decision will also depend on how many teeth need treatment and where they are located in the mouth in relation to one another.
Too many crowns?
There is no definitive answer to the question of how many dental crowns are too many. There may be a number that’s too many for you, but you shouldn’t worry that having too many crowns in your mouth will lead to any unwanted consequences. As long as they were done well and you’re taking care of them along with the rest of your teeth, they should last a fairly long time.
Still, if you’ve reached the limit of too many crowns for your personal comfort, then this is the time to talk to your dentist about finding alternatives you’re more comfortable with and transitioning to a new treatment plan.
Learn about our options and services for dental treatment on our website!