A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. You generally need one when a tooth is too weak for a standard filling, such as after a large break or a root canal. If you feel sharp pain when biting down or notice a large crack, it is time to seek professional advice.
Read further if you are still searching, “How do you know when you need a crown?”
Signs Your Tooth Needs Extra Protection
Many people realize they need help when they are in pain. When your tooth is heavily filled, it crumbles, and the remaining natural tooth structure becomes quite brittle. An expert might recommend you receive dental crowns near you to stop the tooth’s complete splitting. A helmet-like cover for your tooth will absorb pressure from chewing so that the root of the tooth does not have to bear the weight.
Another common reason is solely cosmetic. A crown can help your tooth look uniform with its surrounding teeth if it has a staining or misshapen appearance that is serious. In covering the full visible area of the tooth, these caps produce a long-lasting solution both strength-wise and cosmetically.
When Fillings Aren’t Enough
| Symptom | What it might mean | Urgency Level |
| Sensitivity to cold | Minor decay or thin enamel | Low – Book soon |
| Dull, aching pressure | Food trapped or sinus issues | Low – Clean the area |
| Pain when biting | A loose filling or a small crack | Medium – See a dentist this week |
| Sharp, sudden pain | Deep cavity or exposed nerve | Medium – Call today |
When you visit a dental clinic in SW Calgary that families trust, the team will use X-rays to see the extent of the damage. If more than half of the tooth width is comprised of a cavity or an old filling, a crown is almost always the safer choice. This ensures you won’t end up with an emergency situation where the tooth breaks below the gum line.
Finding the Right Care
You must find a good dental clinic near you whose dentists explain your options clearly. Crown teeth today are made with strong porcelain material or zirconia. These materials are very strong and look like healthy enamel of the teeth. The damaged part will be cleared away, and the impression will be made digitally or otherwise to have a new cap suited to your bite.
If you are currently searching for a dental clinic near NW Calgary, look for a provider that prioritizes patient comfort. The procedure is typically done in two visits: one to prepare the tooth and a second to bond the permanent crown into place. In the meantime, you wear a temporary cap to keep the tooth protected.
Protecting Your Investment
When you have your crown in place, be sure to handle it carefully. Although the crown cannot decay, the tooth underneath it can still decay. By brushing twice every day and carefully flossing through at the base of the crown, plaque will not build up at the edges. When properly cared for using good hygiene, your crown can last for many years. As a result, it will save you money on something more expensive, like an implant or a bridge.
A Stronger Smile Starts Here
A happy life begins with having a healthy mouth. At Trinity Hills Dental, our mission is to make you feel comfortable and enable you to grasp the needs of your oral health. At our office, we take a gentle yet effective approach to treatment so you can keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. Let us thoroughly check and give you a plan if you think your tooth is cracked or weakened.
We can’t wait to see you and help you keep a smile that looks great and feels good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
The area is numbed with local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. Afterward, there may be some minor sensitivity for a few days, but this is normal and fades quickly.
How long does a dental crown last?
On average, a crown lasts between 10 and 15 years. However, with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, many crowns can last much longer.
Can a crown fall off?
While rare, a crown can come loose if the underlying tooth develops new decay or if you eat extremely sticky foods. If this happens, keep the crown and call your dentist immediately to have it recemented.
What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown is a treatment that covers a single tooth. A bridge is used to close up the gap that is due to the total missing of the tooth.