The Top 5 Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown

Your teeth work hard every single day. From biting into crunchy foods to helping you speak clearly, they're constantly in use — which means they can also take quite a beating over time. That's why restorative dental treatments like crowns exist: to protect your teeth, restore their strength, and keep your smile looking its best.

At AC Dental, dental crowns are one of the most common treatments we recommend for patients who have damaged or weakened teeth. But how do you know if a crown is the right solution for you?

1. You Have a Cracked or Broken Tooth

Accidents happen — maybe you bit down on something hard or had an injury during sports — and now your tooth is cracked. Even a small crack can compromise the structural integrity of your tooth. If left untreated, cracks can grow, leading to more serious damage, pain, or even an infection in the tooth's root.

A dental crown completely covers the tooth, holding it together and preventing the crack from spreading. Think of it as a protective cap that restores your tooth's shape, function, and strength, allowing you to chew comfortably without worrying about further damage.

2. You Have a Large Filling That's Failing

Fillings are a great way to restore teeth after cavities, but they don't last forever. Over time, a large filling can loosen or even fall out. When a tooth has been filled multiple times, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure left to support another filling.

This is where a crown comes in. A dental crown provides full coverage, restoring the tooth's durability and preventing it from breaking apart under pressure. It's a longer-term solution that can save you from repeated dental work down the road.

3. You Recently Had a Root Canal

A root canal saves a tooth by removing infected pulp from inside it, but once that inner tissue is removed, the tooth can become brittle. Without added protection, it's more likely to chip, crack, or break.

That's why dentists often recommend placing a crown after a root canal — especially on back teeth that handle most of your chewing. A crown strengthens and seals the tooth, helping it last for many years.

4. Your Tooth Is Severely Worn Down

Teeth can wear down for a variety of reasons: nighttime grinding (bruxism), an imbalanced bite, or acid erosion from diet, acid reflux, or certain medical conditions. Severely worn teeth can affect how you chew and even cause jaw discomfort.

A dental crown can rebuild the tooth to its proper height and restore your bite. This not only improves your ability to chew but also protects your other teeth and jaw joints from uneven wear and strain.

5. You Want to Improve the Look of Your Smile

Dental crowns aren't just for function — they can also enhance your appearance. If you have a tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or out of alignment, a porcelain crown can dramatically improve how it looks.

Modern crowns are designed to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, so no one will even know you have one. It's a great option for patients who want a more uniform, confident smile without more invasive treatments.

What to Expect When Getting a Crown

If your dentist recommends a crown, here's what you can expect:

• Initial Exam and Preparation – Your dentist will examine your tooth, take X-rays, and remove any decay or old filling material.
• Shaping the Tooth – The tooth is gently shaped to make room for the crown.
• Digital Impressions – A precise impression is taken to ensure your crown fits perfectly.
• Temporary Crown – You'll leave with a temporary crown while your custom one is made in a dental lab.
• Final Placement – Once ready, the permanent crown is bonded to your tooth, and your bite is adjusted for comfort.

The result is a strong, natural-looking tooth that lets you chew, smile, and speak confidently.

The Benefits of Choosing a Crown Early

Many patients wait until they're in pain before addressing dental issues — but waiting too long can make things worse. By getting a crown when your dentist first recommends it, you can:

• Prevent cracks from spreading and causing more expensive problems
• Avoid tooth extractions and the need for dental implants or bridges
• Maintain proper bite alignment and prevent jaw issues
• Restore your smile quickly and comfortably

Crowns are designed to last many years with proper care, making them a great investment in your long-term oral health.

Restore Your Smile with AC Dental

At AC Dental, we use advanced technology and high-quality materials to create crowns that are strong, comfortable, and natural-looking. Whether you need to restore a single tooth or improve the overall look of your smile, we're here to help you every step of the way.

Call AC Dental today or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation. Let's protect your teeth, restore your confidence, and keep your smile healthy for years to come.