If you’ve had pain chewing, been dealing with a cracked tooth, or have a large filling that just isn’t holding up anymore, you might’ve heard us mention the benefits of dental crowns. But what exactly is it, and how can it help you?
At Atlantic Dental here in Wilmington, we often recommend crowns for both cosmetic and restorative reasons. They're designed to remove fractures and cracks, and when done proactively, can help you avoid an extraction! We are conservative treatment planners, but sometimes the conservative thing is to do a crown before it breaks down, ultimately keeping that bright smile of yours looking fantastic.
Here’s a breakdown of the seven signs that it might be time to consider a dental crown:
1. Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked tooth isn’t just an inconvenience—it can turn into something pretty painful if it’s left untreated (usually at the worst possible time, thanks Murphy’s Law!). When your tooth has a crack, it’s at risk of needing a root canal or even an extraction if left untreated.
While a filling is there to “seal” the tooth from a cavity, a crown is meant to both “seal AND protect” the tooth from further fracturing. Think of it like a superhero cape for your tooth!
Fact: Without a crown, cracked teeth have a 50% chance of breaking down more or decaying within just two years. Yikes!
2. Large Fillings That Weaken Teeth
Fillings are perfect for smaller cavities, but when they get too large, they can actually make your tooth weaker and susceptible to breaking! If your filling takes up more than 33% of a tooth, it becomes high risk for fracture over time. Crowns are then necessary, offering complete protection for the entire tooth, giving it the strength it needs to stay in great shape and be available to chew on for many years to come!
3. Tooth Decay Too Big for a Filling
Sometimes, tooth decay can get a little out of control, and a regular filling just won’t cut it. When decay is widespread, a crown can save the day by covering the entire tooth surface and preventing further damage.
Fact: Did you know that 91% of adults have had dental decay at some point? Crowns are an amazing way to protect your tooth and keep your smile safe.
4. After a Root Canal
Got a root canal? Well, that tooth is a bit more fragile now. After the pulp is removed, it’s at higher risk of breaking. That’s why we recommend placing a crown afterward to give it the extra support it needs.
Trust us, don’t wait too long to get that crown in place—root canal teeth are more vulnerable without it!
5. Worn Down or Eroded Teeth
Teeth can wear down over time, especially if you grind them, suffer from acid erosion, or just as a result of aging. Crowns can bring those worn-down teeth back to life by restoring their original shape and strength. If you’re a teeth-grinder (hello, bruxism!), a crown might be just what you need to protect your teeth from further wear.
Fact: People who grind their teeth can apply up to 250 pounds of pressure per square inch on their molars—crowns help take the hit and protect your teeth from damage.
6. Cosmetic Improvements for Your Smile
Crowns aren’t just about keeping your teeth healthy—they can be a game-changer for your smile’s appearance too! If you’ve got discolored or misshapen teeth, crowns can make a world of difference, giving you that natural, seamless look.
At Atlantic Dental, we’ve seen how crowns can boost our patients’ confidence with a beautiful, bright smile!
7. Crowning a Dental Implant
If you’ve got a dental implant, it’s not complete without a crown. The crown is what makes your implant look and function just like a natural tooth! Once it’s in place, you’ll be chewing and smiling like nothing ever happened.
How Do You Know If You Need a Crown?
Whether you’re dealing with decay, cracks, or simply looking to enhance your smile, dental crowns are a great way to restore and protect your teeth. If any of the signs above sound familiar, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an evaluation!
Our Expertise at Atlantic Dental
At Atlantic Dental, we’ve been placing custom crowns for years, and our team is here to make sure you’re getting the best care possible. Whether you need a crown for protection or to enhance your smile, we’ve got you covered!
Take Action Today!
If you’ve noticed any of the issues we’ve mentioned—whether it’s a cracked tooth, worn enamel, or a large filling breaking down—don’t wait! Reach out to us at Atlantic Dental in Wilmington to schedule your consultation. Let’s get ahead of the problem and keep your smile looking and feeling amazing!
We’re here to help you protect your teeth, restore your smile, and feel confident about your dental health. Give us a call today, and let’s get started!
