Recognizing When to See the Dentist for a Dental Crown

Dental crowns are essential for restoring damaged teeth, enhancing aesthetics, and ensuring long-term oral health. If you’re facing dental challenges or have concerns about your teeth’s condition, it’s crucial to identify the signs indicating the potential need for a dental crown.

Dr. Arvind Petrie, a reputable dentist in Tacoma, WA, is here to help you navigate this enlightening process. Reach out at (253) 761-5422 for more information.

dental pain

Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Extensive Tooth Decay or Cavities

When tooth decay or cavities reach an advanced stage, a dental crown might be essential to restore the tooth’s structural integrity and prevent additional damage.

Persistent Pain or Tooth Sensitivity: Experiencing ongoing toothaches or sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks could suggest that the decay or cavity has affected the tooth’s nerve. In such situations, a dental crown might be necessary to shield the tooth and alleviate discomfort.
Visible Decay Indicators: If you notice visible signs of decay like dark spots, holes, or pits on the tooth’s surface, it’s a clear sign that the decay has progressed significantly. A dental crown can help restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further deterioration.

Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Incidents or trauma can result in cracked or fractured teeth, affecting their durability and functionality.

Discomfort When Chewing: If you feel pain or discomfort while biting or chewing, it might indicate a cracked or fractured tooth. The pressure during chewing can cause the crack to expand, leading to pain. A dental crown can stabilize the tooth and evenly distribute biting forces, alleviating discomfort.
Temperature Sensitivity: Cracked teeth may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. If you experience sharp, brief pain when consuming hot or cold items, it could be due to a cracked tooth. A dental crown can offer protection and insulation, reducing sensitivity.
Visible Cracks or Fractures: Sometimes, you might notice visible cracks or fractures on the tooth. These can vary in size and location, from minor surface cracks to more significant fractures. A dental crown can cover and support the damaged tooth structure, preventing the crack from worsening.
Irritation to Tongue or Cheek: A cracked tooth with rough or jagged edges can irritate the tongue or inner cheek, causing discomfort or small cuts. A dental crown can smooth the tooth’s surface, eliminating irritation.

Large Fillings

A tooth with a large filling may become vulnerable over time.

Worn or Failing Filling: With time, large fillings can weaken or degrade due to wear, recurring decay, or fractures. If your filling becomes dislodged, cracked, or loses its effectiveness, a dental crown might be necessary to restore the tooth’s strength and functionality.
Increased Tooth Sensitivity: Large fillings can heighten the tooth’s sensitivity to temperature changes. If you notice increased discomfort when consuming hot or cold items, it may indicate that the filling is no longer providing adequate protection. A dental crown can offer enhanced insulation and alleviate sensitivity.

Root Canal Treatment

Following a root canal treatment, it’s often necessary to place a dental crown on the treated tooth to enhance its protection and strength. A crown provides an additional safeguard, promoting the tooth’s durability and longevity.

Misshapen or Discolored Teeth

Are you dealing with misshapen or severely discolored teeth that impact your smile? Dental crowns offer a powerful cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of your teeth, delivering a natural-looking and harmonious smile.

Dental Bridge Attachment

When addressing a missing tooth with a dental bridge, the adjacent teeth that support the bridge may require dental crowns. Crowning these teeth ensures they provide a stable foundation for the bridge, resulting in a secure and functional replacement.

Cracked Enamel

The outermost layer of your teeth, called enamel, plays a vital role in safeguarding the inner structures. If your enamel is cracked or has become notably worn, a dental crown can protect the compromised tooth from further harm.

Visible Cracks or Lines: Observing visible cracks or lines on your tooth enamel could indicate enamel damage. These cracks might be hairline or more pronounced, based on the condition’s severity. A dental crown can shield the cracked enamel and halt the progression of these cracks.
Rough or Jagged Edges: Enamel cracks can lead to rough or jagged edges on the tooth’s surface. These uneven edges can irritate the tongue, cheeks, or gums, causing discomfort or soreness. A dental crown can smooth the surface, enhancing comfort and preventing further irritation.
Discoloration or Stains: Cracked enamel can sometimes lead to discoloration or staining of the tooth. This happens when food particles or pigments infiltrate the cracks and become trapped, resulting in noticeable changes in the tooth’s color. A dental crown can restore the tooth’s natural look and provide a seamless, uniform appearance.

Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)

Chronic tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause significant wear and tear on your teeth. Dental crowns are an effective solution to restore the form and function of your teeth, preventing further damage from grinding.

Worn or Flattened Tooth Surfaces: Over time, bruxism can lead to excessive wear on tooth surfaces. If your teeth appear flattened or show uneven wear patterns, it could be a sign of tooth grinding. A dental crown can help re-establish the natural shape and structure of the teeth, offering protection against additional harm.
Jaw Pain or Headaches: Bruxism may contribute to jaw discomfort, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and headaches. If you often wake up with jaw soreness or experience frequent headaches, it might be due to excessive teeth grinding. A dental crown, along with other treatments, can help relieve these symptoms by enhancing the bite relationship.
Tooth Mobility: Extended bruxism can cause teeth to become loose. If you notice any teeth feeling slightly mobile or loose, it might be a result of excessive grinding forces. Dental crowns can provide the necessary stability and support to reduce tooth mobility.

Dental Implant Restoration

When replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, a dental crown is typically utilized to cover the implant post. This crown serves as a natural-looking substitute tooth that seamlessly integrates with your smile.

Aesthetic Concerns

If you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth due to gaps, misalignment, or other cosmetic issues, dental crowns can help you achieve the smile you desire. They can enhance the shape, size, and color of your teeth, providing a more visually appealing result.

Woman smiling in the dental chair

Choosing the Right Dental Crown

When selecting a dental crown, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various types available. Your dentist will suggest the most appropriate option based on your requirements and may even be able to fit the crowns in a single visit. Here are some common types of dental crowns:

Porcelain Crowns: Known for their natural look, these crowns are ideal for restoring front teeth. They can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Zirconia Crowns: Constructed from a strong and biocompatible material called zirconium dioxide, these crowns offer excellent durability and resistance to chipping or cracking. Zirconia crowns are also appreciated for their translucent appearance.
Metal Crowns: Made from metals like gold or silver alloy, these crowns are highly durable and resistant to wear. However, due to their metallic appearance, they’re more suitable for molars or teeth that are less visible when you smile.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain, making them a popular choice for both front and back teeth.

Considerations When Choosing a Dental Crown

Before opting for a dental crown, it’s important to evaluate several key considerations. These factors will guide you in making an informed decision and achieving the best outcome for your dental health.

Durability: Dental crowns are intended to be durable, but their lifespan can vary based on oral hygiene, habits, and the material used. Discuss the expected durability of different crown types, such as partial crowns, with your dentist.
Expense: The cost of dental crowns can differ depending on factors such as the material selected, the complexity of the procedure, and your geographical location. It’s essential to talk about the cost and payment options with your Tacoma dentist.
Aesthetic Appeal: If you have concerns about appearance, especially for front teeth that are visible when you smile, consider the aesthetic quality of the crown. Porcelain or all-ceramic crowns are excellent choices for a natural and appealing look.
Tooth Preparation: The level of tooth preparation needed for a dental crown can vary. In some situations, minimal preparation is sufficient, while in others, more extensive reshaping may be required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of dental crown is best?

The ideal dental crown varies based on several factors, such as the specific dental issue, the tooth’s location, aesthetic preferences, and budget considerations. Porcelain crowns are popular for their lifelike appearance, while metal crowns offer exceptional durability. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns provide a balance between strength and aesthetics. Your dentist will assess your needs and suggest the most appropriate crown type for your situation.

How long will a tooth last without a crown?

A tooth that needs a crown but is left without one may be more susceptible to damage or decay. The lifespan of such a tooth can vary based on factors like the extent of the damage, oral hygiene habits, diet, and behaviors such as teeth grinding.

What if I don’t get a dental crown?

Opting not to receive a dental crown when your tooth needs one can lead to several issues. The tooth may become structurally compromised, increasing the risk of cracks, fractures, or decay. This can cause discomfort and sensitivity and even result in tooth loss.

To maintain the health and function of your tooth, it’s advisable to follow your dentist’s recommendation and proceed with getting a dental crown when necessary.

Are there alternatives to dental crowns?

Yes, alternative dental treatments are available depending on your specific dental condition. Options such as dental veneers, which are thin shells attached to the front of the teeth to enhance appearance, and dental bonding, where a tooth-colored resin is applied to fix minor chips or cracks, can be considered.

However, these alternatives might not be suitable for every situation. Your dentist will evaluate your needs and suggest the most appropriate treatment option for you.

Embark on Your Path to a Rejuvenated Smile with Dental Crowns

Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for a dental crown is essential for preserving optimal dental health and effectively addressing any dental concerns. By identifying these signs, weighing the factors, and consulting with a dental expert, you can make a well-informed choice that suits your needs and objectives.

Take the initial step towards achieving a healthy smile by contacting Dr. Petrie for a consultation at our Tacoma office. Discover how dental crowns can enhance your dental health. We proudly serve patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.