Introduction
Many patients visit our Carmichael office asking, “Do I really need a crown, or will a filling do?”. While we always prioritize the most conservative treatment, a dental crown (also called a “cap”) is often the best way to save a tooth that has suffered significant structural damage. If you’re experiencing discomfort or visible damage, waiting too long can lead to more complex issues like infections or even tooth loss.
7 Signs You May Need a Dental Crown
A crown completely covers the visible portion of your tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. Here are the most common indicators that a crown is necessary:
- A Cracked or Fractured Tooth: Visible cracks are a major warning sign. A crown stabilizes the tooth structure, preventing the fracture from spreading and protecting the sensitive inner pulp from bacteria.
- Large, Failing Fillings: If a filling takes up more than half of a tooth’s width, the remaining natural tooth structure is often too weak to support a new filling.
- Extensive Tooth Decay: When a cavity is too large for a standard filling, a crown is needed to rebuild the tooth and prevent further decay.
- Following Root Canal Therapy: Root canals save teeth but can leave them brittle. We almost always recommend a crown afterward to prevent the tooth from breaking under the pressure of chewing.
- Severe Tooth Wear (Bruxism): Chronic teeth grinding can flatten and shorten your teeth over time. Crowns rebuild your bite’s height and protect what remains of your enamel.
- Unexplained Sensitivity: Sharp pain when biting or sensitivity to hot and cold can signal a hairline crack that a crown can “seal” and protect.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns are a permanent solution for teeth that are severely discolored, misshapen, or out of alignment and don’t respond to whitening or veneers.
The Dental Crown Process at Mission Dental
Restoring your smile with a crown typically requires at least two visits to our Carmichael office.
- Visit 1: Preparation & Impressions: We gently reshape the tooth to ensure a perfect fit for the cap. We then take digital scans or molds to send to a high-quality dental lab. Before you leave, we’ll fit you with a temporary crown to protect your tooth.
- Visit 2: Final Placement: Once your custom crown is ready (usually in 1-2 weeks), we’ll adjust it for a perfect fit and permanently bond it into place.
Benefits of Modern Dental Crowns
- Natural Appearance: We use materials like porcelain and zirconia that match the translucency and color of your natural enamel.
- Comfort: By restoring your proper bite, crowns can alleviate jaw pain and chewing difficulties.
- Durability: With routine brushing, flossing, and checkups at Mission Dental, your crown can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.
Schedule Your Exam in Carmichael Today
If you have a damaged tooth or old filling that feels “off,” don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Our expert team, led by Dr. Nimrat Tung and Dr. Jaspreet Kaur Toor, is here to provide gentle, state-of-the-art restorative care.
Call Mission Dental at 916-483-2484 or book your consultation online today to learn more about Dental Crowns in Carmichael CA.
