Dental crowns are a great option for repairing teeth as it can restore the shape, size and strength of the tooth. However, with dental crowns enamel has to be removed from your natural tooth which is probably the major consideration of many patients. So how many teeth require enamel removal to fit a dental crown? How many teeth require enamel removal before a crown can be fitted will depend on the condition of your teeth.

Teeth That Still Have Roots

l  If there is only one tooth that is damaged and requires repair, or if the tooth is seriously discolored and these teeth still have roots then a crown can be fitted. In such cases only the affected tooth requires enamel to be removed so the dental crown can fit.

l  If it’s more than one tooth that is damaged, discolored and still has roots then the affected teeth that require crowns will have enamel removed and a mold will be taken to make a suitable crown.

Teeth With No Roots

l  For tooth replacement, there is the possibility that teeth on either side of the missing tooth will require enamel removal so a dental bridge can be fitted.

l  With multiple teeth replacement the dentist will have to assess the condition of your teeth. There is the chance that several porcelain fixed dental bridge will be used which means that several teeth will require enamel removal.

Usually in cases of tooth replacement a dental crown is not advised especially for teeth that still have roots. This is due to enamel removal of adjacent teeth and this increases the cost for treatment and in comparison to veneers where only the surface enamel is removed, a dental crown removes a lot more.

With dental crowns patients will have to consider that they will have to go through the rest of their life with repairs and replacements. Once the enamel of the tooth has been removed it can only be covered with a crown. Also after enamel removal the teeth are more susceptible to damage such as cavities. Before getting dental crowns fitted you should discuss with a professional dentist and ask for advice and get a treatment plan which is suitable for you.