If you’ve been told you may need a dental crown—or you’ve noticed changes in your teeth—you’re not alone. Dental crowns are one of the most common restorative treatments used to protect, strengthen, and restore teeth that are damaged, decayed, or weakened. At Arrowhead Dental, we help patients in Utah restore both function and confidence in their smiles using high-quality crowns designed to look and feel natural.
But how do you know when it’s time to consider a crown? Let’s explore the 7 most common signs you might need a dental crown—and what to expect next.
1. You Have a Cracked or Broken Tooth
If a tooth has cracked or broken, it can’t heal on its own. Small chips may sometimes be repaired with bonding, but deeper cracks or fractures often require a crown to hold the tooth together. Without protection, a cracked tooth may worsen, cause pain, or even lead to infection.
What Arrowhead Dental Does: Our team evaluates the severity of the crack using advanced imaging and recommends the best option. A crown is often the most reliable way to restore strength and prevent further damage.
2. You’ve Had a Large Filling
Large fillings can weaken a tooth over time. If more filling material than natural tooth structure remains, the tooth becomes vulnerable to breaking.
Why a Crown Helps: A crown fully encases the tooth, providing long-term stability and reducing the risk of fractures.
3. You’ve Had a Root Canal
After a root canal, teeth often become brittle because the inner pulp has been removed. Placing a crown after root canal therapy is one of the best ways to ensure your tooth remains strong and functional.
At Arrowhead Dental, we place crowns designed to blend seamlessly with your smile so your restored tooth looks completely natural.
4. You Have a Severely Worn Tooth
Grinding your teeth (bruxism), acid erosion, or years of wear can cause teeth to become too small or weak. In these cases, a crown can rebuild proper tooth shape and restore chewing ability.
Pro Tip: If bruxism is the cause, we may also recommend a nightguard to protect your new crown.
5. You’ve Noticed Tooth Discoloration or Shape Problems
Sometimes crowns are used for cosmetic purposes as well. If a tooth is badly discolored or has an irregular shape that other treatments (like whitening or bonding) cannot fix, a crown may be the best way to restore your smile’s appearance.
6. You’re Experiencing Tooth Sensitivity or Pain
If you notice sensitivity to hot or cold or pain while chewing, it could indicate that your tooth is structurally compromised. A crown may be needed to cover exposed dentin or protect weak enamel.
7. You’re Getting a Dental Implant
When replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, the final step is placing a custom-made crown. This crown completes your smile, providing both function and natural aesthetics.
The Dental Crown Process at Arrowhead Dental
Many patients worry about the process, but it’s more straightforward than you might think:
- Evaluation: We examine the tooth and take X-rays.
- Preparation: A small portion of the tooth is reshaped to fit the crown.
- Impression: We take digital or physical impressions for accuracy.
- Temporary Crown: You’ll wear a temporary crown while the permanent one is made.
- Placement: The final crown is cemented securely, giving you a strong, natural-looking restoration.
At Arrowhead Dental, we use high-quality materials like porcelain and ceramic that mimic natural enamel for long-lasting, beautiful results.