Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth. A filling repairs a small area. A crown instead surrounds the tooth, holding it together and shielding it from the forces of biting and chewing. Once it is in place, it looks and functions like a natural tooth, so you can smile and eat with confidence again.

Crowns help a wide range of people. We see patients of all ages, from children to seniors, so the person in our chair might be a young adult with a cracked molar, a parent with an old restoration that is failing, or a retiree whose teeth have worn after decades of use. What they share is a tooth that needs more support than a filling can provide but is still worth saving.

Patients usually come to us for crowns for one of several distinct reasons. Understanding which one applies to you can make treatment feel more familiar:

• A cracked or fractured tooth that needs to be held together to prevent the crack from spreading
• A large cavity or old filling that has left too little healthy structure behind
• A tooth treated with root canal therapy, which often benefits from added protection afterward
• A dental implant that needs a natural-looking tooth placed on top
• Cosmetic concerns, such as a misshapen or discolored tooth, as part of a broader smile plan

Each situation calls for a slightly different approach. A cracked tooth, for example, may cause sharp pain when you bite or sensitivity to temperature, and our team regularly treats cracked teeth. If the damage reaches deeper into the tooth, we can discuss whether root canal therapy should come before the crown. When a crown is part of a larger restoration, such as a bridge, implant treatment, or full mouth reconstruction, we plan it alongside the rest of your care so every piece fits together.

Caring for Your Crown and Enjoying the Results

A crown covers your tooth, but the tooth underneath can still develop decay where it meets the gumline. Daily brushing and flossing remain important, with extra attention to that edge. It is also wise to avoid using your teeth to open packages or chew ice, since these habits can damage both natural teeth and restorations.

Regular cleanings and exams with our dental hygienist let us check the fit of your crown, the health of the surrounding gums, and the rest of your smile at each visit. Catching small issues early is far easier than addressing them later. With consistent care at home and in our office, most patients find that their crowned tooth quickly feels like a natural part of their mouth again.