When is a Dental Crown Necessary?

If your dentist has advised that you need a dental crown, it’s normal to have a few questions. What exactly is a crown? Is a crown the same as a filling? Can you delay or put off getting a crown? What's the potential danger to delaying dental treatment like a crown? What do dentists look for, in order to diagnose the need for a dental crown?

Dental crowns are a common restorative treatment designed to protect, strengthen, and restore damaged teeth. Here's a look at what to expect when you need to get a dental crown, why crowns are important to your oral health, and what can happen if you wait too long.

What Is a Dental Crown? What Does It Do?

A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns fully encase the visible part of the tooth above the gum line.

Crowns used when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling or inlay alone. Crowns are made from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination. Once cemented in place, a crown functions like a natural tooth and blends in with your smile.

There are a few kinds of dental crowns, with strengths and limitations.

• Metal Crowns: Durable, but do not have a natural tooth color.
• Zirconia Crowns: Strong and can match the color of natural teeth.
• Temporary Crown: Used until a permanent crown is ready.

Top Reasons You Might Need a Dental Crown

After a Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment removes infected pulp from inside a tooth, saving it from extraction. While effective, this treatment leaves the tooth more brittle and prone to fracture  A crown protects the weakened tooth and restores full function as well as helps maintain appearance and structure.

To Restore a Severely Decayed Tooth

Extensive decay can weaken tooth structure. A dental crown covers the entire tooth, preventing further damage.

Large cavities or extensive decay can significantly weaken tooth structure. When too much of the tooth structure is compromised, a dental crown provides reinforcement that prevents cracks or further decay.

For a Cracked, Broken, or Worn Tooth

If your tooth is cracked or fractured (even if it’s not painful), a crown helps hold the original shape together. Crowns also restore worn-down teeth, which occur due to grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion.

To Support a Large Filling

If you’ve had repeated dental work or have a very large filling, the remaining tooth structure may not be strong enough to support chewing forces. A crown distributes that force evenly and prevents the tooth from breaking.

Cosmetic Improvements

While crowns are restorative, they also improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or uneven teeth. They can be color-matched to your natural teeth and are often used in smile makeovers.

Anchoring a Dental Bridge

Crowns are used to support dental bridges by anchoring to the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth. These “abutment teeth” must be strong and stable enough to support the bridge.

Completing a Dental Implant

Dental implants require a permanent crown to function and look like a natural tooth.

A dental implant consists of a titanium post inserted into the jawbone. Once healed, a crown is attached to the implant to complete the restoration and give you a natural-looking replacement tooth.

Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown

Wondering if a crown might be in your future? Here are common signs:

1. Pain during biting or normal chewing function
2. Teeth sensitivity or lingering discomfort
3. Visible cracks or chips
4. A large or failing filling
5. A tooth that looks worn or uneven
6. Recent root canal procedure

What Happens If You Delay Getting a Crown?

Delaying or avoiding a dental crown can lead to more serious and costly issues if tooth damage or infection is not attended to by a professional.

1. Increased Damage: Without a crown, your natural tooth is at risk. Broken teeth can worsen, affecting the entire tooth structure.
2. Extensive Decay: A temporary crown protects against decay. Waiting too long allows bacteria to invade, requiring more extensive dental treatments.
3. Teeth Sensitivity: Without a permanent crown, damaged teeth can expose nerves, causing discomfort.
4. Potential Tooth Loss: A root canal procedure can save a tooth. However, without a crown, the tooth may eventually need extraction.
5. Ineffective Chewing: A crown restores the original shape of a tooth. Delayed restoration can lead to uneven chewing function and stress on adjacent teeth.Seeking prompt dental restoration is key to maintaining strong and healthy teeth.

How Your Dentist Determines if You Need a Crown

Dentists consider several factors to determine if you need a dental crown. During a visit, your dentist will examine your tooth visually, and take X-rays to check for decay, cracks, or structural weakness. They will assess any existing restorations and ask about symptoms like pain or sensitivity. Your dentist will also ask about potential allergic reactions to determine whether a crown will suit your needs.

In particular, dentists will look for some of the following signs:

When a Crown is Necessary:

1. Damaged or Broken Teeth: If the tooth is cracked or completely broken, a crown can restore its original shape.
2. Extensive Decay: When decay is too extensive for a dental filling, a crown helps save the tooth.
3. After Root Canal Treatment: Root canals can weaken teeth, making crowns essential to reinforce them.
4. Tooth Structure Support: Weak teeth or those with large fillings might need crowns for extra support.
5. Discolored or Misshaped Teeth: Crowns improve the appearance of discolored or misshaped teeth.

Alternatives to Crowns—And When They’re Not Enough

When facing dental issues, it's important to explore all options. Here are some alternatives to dental crowns and when they might fall short:

Dental Filling

• Great for small-to-medium cavities, but can’t provide full structural support. Fillings are not suitable for  extensive decay or a weakened tooth structure.

Tooth Bonding

• Fixes minor chips or cracks but lacks the durability needed for large repairs or heavily damaged teeth.

Inlays and Onlays

• More extensive than a filling but less than a crown. Used when damage is moderate. Inapplicable for severely damaged or decayed teeth.

Veneers

• Covers discolored teeth for cosmetic purposes. However, only serves the front surface, not ideal for functional restoration.

Dental Implants

• Replaces an entire tooth after extraction. However, implants are more invasive, costly procedure compared to crowns. Not suitable for restoring original tooth shape when the entire tooth does not need removal.

In cases of extensive tooth decay, a compromised entire tooth, or severely damaged teeth, alternatives may not be enough. A permanent crown is then necessary for restoring tooth function and maintaining oral health.

FAQs --  When to Get a Dental Crown

A dental crown is a necessity in various dental situations. Here are some frequently asked questions:

Q: Can I just get a filling instead?

A: Only if the tooth has enough healthy structure left. Your dentist will evaluate the size and location of the decay.

Q: Is a crown always necessary after a root canal?

A: A crown is almost required for back teeth. Front teeth may not need a crown if there’s minimal damage.

Q: Will a crown stop tooth pain?

A: Yes, if the pain is due to a damaged, cracked, or restored tooth. A crown stabilizes and protects the tooth.

Q: How long can I wait before getting one?

A: Ideally, you shouldn’t delay getting a dental crown. Waiting increases the risk of further damage or the need for more complex and potentially costly treatment.

Protecting Your Teeth with the Right Treatment

Dental crowns are more than just a cap—they’re an essential solution to restore and protect your teeth. Whether you’ve had a root canal, have a cracked tooth, or are dealing with a large filling, your dentist may recommend a crown to preserve your smile.

Don’t put off treatment. A timely crown can prevent serious complications and help you avoid tooth loss, pain, and costly procedures.

Think You Might Need a Crown?

Tend has multiple convenient locations and early, late and weekend appointments available. Our top-rated team will explain your options and create a personalized treatment plan. Tend's friendly staff is here to answer all your questions and to help you choose the best dental crown for your smile needs, your lifestyle and budget. 

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