If you’ve been told you need a dental crown or are wondering if you might need one, knowing the reasons why can help you feel more prepared. At Parkwood Dental, we understand how important your smile is to you and want to make sure that it looks and feels its best.
Let’s take a look at five common reasons why dental crowns may be necessary. But first, let’s understand what you need to know about getting a crown, what a dental crown is, what happens if you don’t get a crown, why dentists push crowns, and how you will know if you need a crown. Let’s begin!
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is an artificial tooth cap that fits over your existing tooth, covering it up and protecting it from further damage. Crowns are usually made of either metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) and can be used to restore the shape, size, strength, and/or appearance of a damaged tooth.
How Do You Know if You Need a Crown?
Your dentist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine if you need a dental crown. Common signs that may indicate the need for a crown include broken or fractured teeth, significant decay, misshapen or discolored tooth, large fillings, and weakened teeth from root canals.
Reasons You May Need a Dental Crown
Now that we have discussed what dental crowns are and how to know if you need one, let’s look at five common reasons why people may need a crown.
To Strengthen Weakened Teeth due to Decay
If the damage done by cavities is too extensive for a simple filling to remedy, a crown can be used to restore the strength of the tooth. This treatment is often recommended for molars since molars are constantly in use when chewing food. A dental crown will ensure that your tooth remains strong and healthy for years to come.
To Support Structurally Weak Teeth
Whether it’s due to genetics or an accident, some teeth are too weak on their own and require additional support in order to remain healthy. A dental crown can act as an additional layer of protection for these teeth and prevent them from becoming further damaged or weakened over time.
To Restore Teeth After Root Canals
During root canal treatments, the pulp inside the tooth is removed due to infection or decay, leaving behind only the hollow inside of the tooth itself. To protect this area from further damage, a crown must be placed over it after the treatment is complete in order to maintain its strength and integrity.
To Improve The Appearance Of Misshapen Or Discolored Teeth
If you have a tooth that has become discolored due to staining or has become misshapen due to wear and tear or trauma, getting a crown can help restore its appearance so that it matches the rest of your teeth more closely.
To Anchor Bridges
Crowns can also be used with bridges in order to anchor them into place over multiple adjacent teeth that may have been lost due to decay or other causes. This type of restoration will fill any gaps caused by missing teeth while also helping protect those around it from further damage or decay in the future.
What Happens if You Don’t Get a Crown
Crowns can be expensive. That’s why many people opt not to get one for their teeth. Unfortunately, there are numerous drawbacks if you don’t get a crown, including:
- Deterioration of the damaged or decayed tooth: Without a crown, the tooth may continue to deteriorate and become more prone to breaking or cracking.
- Re-infection or fracture after root canal treatment: If a crown is not placed after a root canal treatment, the tooth may become more prone to re-infection or fracture.
- Loose or falling out dental bridge: If a dental bridge is used to replace missing teeth and the anchor teeth are not protected by crowns, the bridge may become loose or fall out, leading to further tooth loss and the need for additional treatment.
- Failure of a dental implant: If a dental implant is not restored with a crown, the implant may be more prone to failure, and the replacement tooth may not function properly.
- Spread of infection and pain: If a tooth is left untreated, it can lead to infection and pain, which can spread to other teeth and even to other parts of the body. This can lead to more complex and costly treatment in the long run.
How Do Crowns Protect Your Teeth?
Dental crowns protect teeth by providing a protective covering over the entire visible portion of a damaged or decayed tooth. They are custom-made to fit over the existing tooth, and are designed to mimic the shape, size, and color of a natural tooth.
- Protection against further damage
It acts as a protective barrier for a damaged or decayed tooth, preventing it from breaking or becoming infected.
- Restoration of function
It can help to restore the normal function of a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment or has been damaged or decayed.
- Prevention of tooth loss
By protecting and restoring a damaged or decayed tooth, it can help to prevent tooth loss, which can lead to additional dental problems.
- Preservation of the remaining tooth structure
It can be used to preserve as much of the remaining natural tooth structure as possible.
- Support for dental bridges
Crowns can also be used to support dental bridges, which are used to replace one or more missing teeth.
- Restoration of dental implant
They are also used to restore dental implants, which are metal posts placed into the jawbone to support the replacement tooth.
It is important to note that while a crown can protect a damaged or decayed tooth, it is not a permanent solution, and regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are still necessary to maintain the health of the tooth and the crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental crown, and why would I need one?
A dental crown is a custom “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. You may need a crown when a tooth is too damaged or weak to be protected long-term with a filling alone.
What are the most common reasons someone needs a dental crown?
The most common reasons include protecting a tooth with major decay, supporting a cracked or weakened tooth, restoring a tooth after a root canal, improving the look of a severely discolored or misshapen tooth, and anchoring a dental bridge to replace missing teeth.
How do I know if I need a crown instead of a filling?
If a cavity or old filling is large, the remaining tooth structure may be too thin and likely to crack. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth with an exam and X-rays to see whether a crown is the safer option for long-term protection.
Do crowns help after a root canal?
Yes. After a root canal, the tooth can become more brittle over time, especially back teeth that handle heavy chewing. A crown helps seal and reinforce the tooth so it can function normally and reduce the risk of fracture.
Can a crown be used for cosmetic reasons?
Absolutely. Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are badly stained, uneven, misshapen, or worn down—especially when other cosmetic options may not provide enough coverage or durability.
What happens if I delay getting a crown when it’s recommended?
Delaying can increase the risk of cracks, breakage, pain, and infection—sometimes leading to more expensive treatments like root canal therapy or extraction. If a tooth fractures below the gumline, it may not be repairable.
Are dental crowns painful to get?
Most patients feel little discomfort because the tooth is numbed during treatment. You may experience mild sensitivity afterward, but it typically improves as you adjust and the tooth settles.
What types of crowns are available?
Crowns can be made from porcelain/ceramic, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia, depending on your needs and where the tooth is located. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on strength, appearance, and bite forces.
How long do dental crowns last?
With good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, crowns can last many years. Longevity depends on habits like grinding/clenching, chewing ice or hard foods, and maintaining healthy gums around the crown.
How do I take care of a crown once it’s placed?
Care for a crown like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss carefully around the gumline, and keep up with routine cleanings. If you grind your teeth, wearing a nightguard can help protect the crown and your natural teeth.
Get Your Crowns at Parkwood Dental
At Parkwood Dental, our experienced dentists and dental staff can help you decide if a crown is a right choice for you. We are committed to providing quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Schedule your appointment to learn more about how we can help protect your teeth with crowns.
