Teeth rarely fail all at once. They weaken slowly from decay, large fillings, cracks, or grinding. At some point, a simple filling is no longer enough to keep the tooth strong. That is when a dental crown becomes the better option.
A crown covers and protects the entire visible part of the tooth, restoring strength, shape, and function. At Crescent Dental in Orlando, Dr. Ameer Zufari uses crowns to save damaged teeth before they fracture beyond repair.
This guide walks through the most common signs that a tooth is ready for a crown instead of another filling.
1. You Have a Large or Old Filling That Keeps Failing
Small fillings work well when there is plenty of healthy tooth left around them. Over time, though, repeated fillings on the same tooth remove more structure and weaken the remaining enamel. Warning signs include:
- A filling that has been replaced more than once
- Cracks or gaps appearing around the edges of the filling
- Discoloration or staining at the margins
- Sensitivity when biting or chewing on that tooth
At this point, simply placing another filling often fails. The tooth can flex under chewing forces, leading to new cracks or further breakdown. A dental crown wraps and supports the tooth, redistributing biting pressure and helping prevent future fractures.
2. Your Tooth Has a Visible Crack or Keeps Hurting When You Bite
Cracked teeth are common in adults who grind, clench, or chew on hard foods and objects. Some cracks are superficial. Others run deeper and cause real symptoms:
- Sharp pain when you bite or release pressure
- Discomfort when chewing certain foods
- Sensitivity to cold that comes and goes
- A visible line running vertically down the tooth
Left untreated, cracks can propagate and split the tooth, sometimes below the gumline where it cannot be saved. A crown covers the tooth like a protective helmet, holding the cracked segments together and reducing stress on the damaged area. In many cases, this prevents the need for extraction.
3. You Recently Had Root Canal Therapy on a Back Tooth
Root canal therapy removes the nerve and blood supply from a tooth’s center. This saves the tooth from infection, but it also leaves the tooth more brittle and often already weakened by decay or large fillings.
Back teeth (molars and premolars) take heavy chewing forces. Without reinforcement, they are much more likely to fracture after a root canal. For this reason, most back teeth that undergo root canal therapy are restored with a crown rather than just a filling.
If you have had root canal therapy on a molar or premolar and still only have a temporary or basic filling, talk to your dentist about whether a crown is recommended to protect the tooth long term.
4. Your Tooth Is Worn Down From Grinding or Clenching
Bruxism (grinding and clenching) can flatten and shorten teeth over time. Signs include:
- Shorter front teeth than you remember having
- Flat, smooth biting surfaces on molars
- Chipped edges and corners
- Jaw soreness or morning headaches
Once enough enamel is lost, the tooth may become sensitive, less able to chew, and more prone to breaking. In these cases, crowns can:
- Restore the original height of your bite
- Protect worn teeth from further damage
- Improve appearance and function
Crowns are often combined with a night guard to protect the restored teeth from continued grinding.
5. You Have a Broken Tooth With Enough Structure Left to Save
Not every broken tooth needs to be removed. If the break is above the gumline and enough healthy tooth remains, a crown can often restore the tooth instead of extracting it. Typical scenarios:
- A cusp (corner) breaks off a molar
- A front tooth chips or fractures but the root is intact
- A piece of tooth and an old filling come out together
In these cases, a simple filling may not provide enough strength. A crown rebuilds the shape and covers the entire tooth, making it strong enough for everyday chewing.
6. Your Tooth Has Deep Decay but Can Still Be Restored
Advanced decay can undermine a large portion of a tooth. If the dentist removes all the decay and finds that the remaining walls are thin or compromised, a large filling alone will not last. The tooth may flex and crack under normal chewing.
When the root and bone support are still healthy, a crown becomes the best way to restore function. This is part of comprehensive restorative dentistry, where the goal is to keep the natural tooth in place with a strong, long-lasting restoration.
7. You Want to Improve the Shape or Appearance of a Damaged Tooth
Crowns are not only functional; they also improve appearance. A crown may be recommended when:
- A front tooth is permanently discolored or stained
- A tooth is misshapen or significantly smaller than its neighbors
- A large chip or fracture affects your smile line
In these cases, a crown can correct both function and appearance. For some patients, crowns are part of a larger smile makeover plan that may also include whitening or other cosmetic treatments.
What to Expect When Getting a Crown at Crescent Dental
The crown process usually takes two visits after the initial diagnosis.
First visit
- Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable.
- The tooth is reshaped to remove decay and prepare it for the crown.
- Impressions or digital scans are taken to capture exact dimensions.
- A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the final crown is made.
Second visit
- The temporary crown is removed.
- The dentist checks the fit, bite, and color of the new crown.
- The crown is cemented in place once everything is correct.
Modern materials allow crowns to blend closely with natural teeth in both color and shape.
How Long Dental Crowns Typically Last
With good care, crowns often last many years. Lifespan depends on:
- Quality of home care (brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings)
- Whether you grind or clench
- Overall bite forces and chewing habits
- Regular monitoring at your preventive visits
Crowns are strong, but they are not indestructible. Biting ice, chewing on pens, or ignoring grinding can shorten their life. Good habits and consistent checkups help protect your investment.
When You Should Talk to Your Dentist About a Crown
Schedule an evaluation if you notice any of the following:
- Repeated problems with the same filling
- Teeth that hurt when you bite or chew
- Visible cracks, chips, or fractures
- Changes in tooth shape, length, or alignment
- Discomfort in a tooth that recently had major treatment
Early intervention keeps options simpler. Waiting until a tooth splits or becomes severely infected may limit your choices and increase the chance you will need extraction and replacement instead.
If you recognize any of these signs in your own mouth, use the online form to request an appointment so the team at Crescent Dental in Orlando can evaluate the tooth and recommend whether a crown is the right next step.