7 Signs You May Need a Dental Crown
A damaged or weakened tooth doesn’t always mean you need to have it removed. In many cases, a dental crown can protect the tooth, restore its function and help you get back to eating and smiling comfortably.
But how do you know when a crown might be necessary?
If you’re experiencing changes in one of your teeth, visiting a dentist in Peoria, AZ, can help determine what’s causing the problem and which treatment is appropriate. Here are seven common signs that it may be time to talk to Dr. Jaime Tobon about a dental crown.
1. You Have a Cracked or Broken Tooth
Teeth can crack for many reasons, including an injury, biting down on something hard, grinding your teeth or simply years of everyday wear.
Depending on the severity of the damage, a dental crown may be used to cover and protect the remaining tooth structure. The crown essentially acts as a protective cap, allowing you to chew more comfortably while helping prevent additional damage.
If you’ve noticed a visible crack or piece of your tooth has broken off, don’t wait for it to become painful before having it evaluated.
2. You Have a Large Filling
Dental fillings are an effective way to repair cavities, but a tooth with a particularly large filling may have less natural tooth structure remaining. Over time, this can make the tooth more vulnerable to cracking or breaking. A dental crown can provide additional coverage and strength when a filling alone may no longer provide enough support.
Dr. Jaime Tobon can evaluate the tooth and determine whether the existing filling is still appropriate or if a crown would provide better long-term protection.
3. It Hurts When You Bite
Pain when chewing can have several possible causes, so an examination is important. In some cases, it can be associated with damage or a crack in the tooth.
Rather than simply avoiding that side of your mouth, schedule an appointment online with our office to find out what’s causing the discomfort.
4. You’ve Had a Root Canal
A root canal removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth and allows the natural tooth to remain in place.
Depending on the location and condition of the tooth, a dental crown may be recommended after root canal treatment to restore and protect it. This is especially common for back teeth, which experience significant pressure during chewing.
Your dentist can determine whether a crown is necessary based on how much healthy tooth structure remains.
5. Your Tooth Is Severely Worn Down
Teeth can gradually become worn down due to grinding, clenching, an uneven bite or other factors.
Significant wear can affect both the appearance and function of your smile. You might notice that your teeth look shorter than they once did, feel more sensitive or no longer fit together the same way when you bite.
Depending on the extent of the wear, restorative dentistry may be able to rebuild and protect the affected teeth.
6. You Have a Severely Discolored or Misshapen Tooth
Crowns aren’t used only to repair damaged teeth. They can also address certain cosmetic concerns.
A crown may be an option for a tooth that is severely discolored, misshapen or otherwise noticeably different from the surrounding teeth. Because the restoration covers the visible portion of the tooth, it can improve its shape, size and appearance while also restoring function.
The right cosmetic or restorative treatment depends on the condition of your tooth, so Dr. Tobon can discuss whether a crown or another option, such as a veneer, would be appropriate for your smile.
7. Your Old Crown Is Loose, Damaged or Uncomfortable
Dental crowns are designed to be durable, but they don’t necessarily last forever.
An older crown may eventually become loose, chipped or damaged. Changes to the tooth underneath the crown can also create problems.
Contact your dentist if you notice that a crown feels loose, your bite suddenly feels different or you experience new sensitivity or discomfort around a crowned tooth. Addressing the issue early may help prevent additional damage to the underlying tooth.
What Happens When You Get a Dental Crown?
Getting a dental crown typically involves preparing the affected tooth so the restoration can fit securely over it. The crown is designed to restore the tooth’s natural shape and function while protecting the remaining structure.
At Modern Dentistry of Peoria, Dr. Jaime Tobon and the dental team use advanced dental technology to evaluate your oral health and develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Not every damaged tooth requires a crown. Depending on the condition of your tooth, another treatment may be more appropriate, which is why an evaluation is an important first step.
Visit Us in Peoria, AZ
Ignoring a cracked, damaged or painful tooth can allow the problem to become more complicated over time.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, have damaged a tooth or simply aren’t sure whether an old filling or crown is still doing its job, Dr. Jaime Tobon at Modern Dentistry of Peoria can evaluate your smile and discuss your treatment options.
Modern Dentistry of Peoria provides preventive, restorative and cosmetic dental care for patients in Peoria, Arizona, and surrounding communities.
Schedule an appointment online today to take the next step toward a healthier, more comfortable smile.
