You typically need a dental crown when a tooth is too damaged or weak to hold up on its own. The most common reasons are a large cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, a tooth that has had a root canal, or an old filling that has started to fail.
A crown is a custom cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape and strength so you can chew comfortably, and it protects the natural tooth underneath.
At The Dentist in Glendale, AZ, Dr. Eric Van Sluyters DDS AGDF and Dr. Raj Pradhan recommend crowns when they’re the best way to save a tooth for the long run, not as a default.
Have questions? Call or text The Dentist at (623) 773-1991.
What Does a Dental Crown Actually Do?
Think of a crown as a helmet for your tooth. It holds together and protects a tooth that has lost too much of its natural structure.
According to the American Dental Association, crowns can strengthen a tooth with a large filling, protect a weak tooth from breaking, restore a tooth that’s already broken, anchor a bridge, and cover a dental implant.
Crowns can also improve the look of teeth that are badly discolored or misshapen. For most patients, though, the main goal is function and protection.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
These are the situations where our doctors most often recommend a crown:
- A cavity too large for a filling: When decay takes up a big portion of the tooth, a filling may not have enough healthy tooth around it to stay strong.
- A cracked or fractured tooth: A crown holds the tooth together and can help keep a crack from spreading.
- After a root canal: Back teeth treated with root canal therapy are often crowned afterward to protect them from breaking.
- A broken or badly worn tooth: Grinding, acid erosion, or an old injury can wear a tooth down until it needs to be rebuilt.
- An old, large filling that’s failing: Big fillings can crack, leak, or pull away from the tooth over time.
- To anchor a bridge or top an implant: Crowns are the visible “teeth” on bridges and dental implants.
What Signs Might Mean a Tooth Needs a Crown?
You won’t always feel a problem coming. When there are signs, they can include:
- Pain when you bite down or release your bite
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- A visible crack, chip, or dark line on the tooth
- A piece of tooth or filling that has broken off
- A filling that feels rough, loose, or catches your floss
- A tooth that looks noticeably shorter or more worn than its neighbors
Some cracks and failing fillings cause no symptoms at all. That’s one reason regular check-ups matter: X-rays and a close exam can catch problems before they become painful.
What Happens If You Put Off Getting a Crown?
A weakened tooth doesn’t repair itself. Waiting too long can allow:
- A crack to spread deeper, sometimes into the root
- Decay to reach the nerve, which may lead to a root canal
- The tooth to break in a way that can’t be fixed, which may mean an extraction and a replacement like an implant or bridge
Not every recommended crown is urgent. Our doctors will explain clearly how soon treatment should happen and why, so you can plan around work, family, and your budget.
What’s It Like to Get a Crown at Our Office?
Most crowns follow a straightforward process:
- Exam and X-rays to confirm a crown is the right choice for the tooth.
- Preparing the tooth: We numb the area, remove any decay, and shape the tooth so the crown fits securely.
- Impression and temporary crown: We take a precise impression of the tooth and place a temporary crown while your final crown is made.
- Final crown: We fit, adjust, and bond your final crown so your bite feels natural.
One thing that sets our office apart is consistency. We’ve used the same trusted methods, materials, and lab partners for many years, which helps make crown results predictable. If dental visits make you anxious, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are available.
Planning Treatment Before the End of the Year?
Many dental insurance plans run on a calendar year, so fall is a good time to look at treatment you’ve been putting off.
We’re in network with many PPO plans, and we don’t accept HMO plans. Call or text us to verify your coverage. Cherry financing is also available as a payment option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed before we begin, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Some mild sensitivity or gum tenderness for a few days afterward is normal. If you’re anxious, ask about nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation.
How many visits does a crown take?
Most crowns take two visits. At the first, we prepare the tooth, take an impression, and place a temporary crown. At the second, we place your final crown once our lab partner has made it.
Will my crown look natural?
Tooth-colored crowns are designed to match the shape and shade of your surrounding teeth. Our doctors and lab partners work together on fit, color, and bite so your crown blends in with your smile.
Do crowns need special care?
No special routine is needed. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular cleanings, since the tooth underneath can still get decay along the edge of the crown. If you grind your teeth, a night guard can help protect your crown.
Find Out If a Crown Is Right for Your Tooth
If you have a cracked tooth, a large old filling, or a tooth that hurts when you bite, it’s worth a closer look before it turns into a bigger repair. Learn more about dental crowns at our Glendale, AZ office.
Call or text The Dentist at (623) 773-1991, or reach out through our contact form and our team will get back to you to schedule.
