5 Signs You Might Be a Good Candidate for a Dental Crown

Dental problems are widespread in the United States, where 21% of people aged 20 to 64 have at least one untreated cavity. In addition, many people have cracks, chips, old fillings, or other issues that affect oral health.

A dental crown can do a lot of heavy lifting for your smile. It covers and protects a damaged tooth, restores normal biting and chewing, and improves the tooth's appearance.

While many people assume crowns only fix severe problems, dentists often recommend them earlier to prevent more serious damage. At Fremaux Dental Care, crowns play an important role in restoring teeth while helping patients keep their natural smiles.

With all this in mind, if you notice any of the signs below, a dental crown may be the right solution for you.

1. Your tooth has a large cavity or an old filling

Small cavities usually respond well to fillings. However, when decay becomes extensive, a filling may no longer provide enough support. Large fillings weaken the remaining tooth structure, making it more likely to crack or break.

A crown fits over the entire tooth like a protective cap. It restores strength and allows you to chew comfortably again. Crowns also help seal the tooth, reducing the risk of future decay in hard-to-clean areas.

2.  Your tooth is cracked, chipped, or worn down

Teeth can crack or chip due to injury, grinding, or years of wear. Some cracks cause sharp pain, while others may not hurt at first. Even painless cracks can worsen over time if left untreated.

A crown holds the tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading. It also rebuilds worn-down teeth, restoring proper shape and bite alignment. This protection can help save the tooth from further damage and prevent the need for more complex treatments later.

3.  You had a root canal

After a root canal, the inside of the tooth no longer contains living tissue. This makes the tooth more fragile and prone to fracture, especially in back teeth that handle heavy chewing.

We often recommend a crown after root canal treatment to protect the tooth long-term. The crown restores strength and function, allowing you to eat normally without worrying about the tooth breaking.

4.  Your tooth feels weak or painful when chewing

Pain or pressure when biting can signal that a tooth has structural damage. You may notice sensitivity when chewing tougher foods or discomfort that comes and goes.

A crown stabilizes the tooth and distributes bite forces evenly. By reinforcing the tooth, a crown can relieve discomfort and help you chew with confidence again. Early treatment often prevents pain from becoming more severe.

5.  You want to improve the look of a damaged tooth

Crowns do more than protect teeth; they also improve appearance. Teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or uneven may affect how you feel about your smile.

Modern crowns use materials that closely match the color and translucency of natural teeth, offering both cosmetic improvement and long-term durability. The result looks seamless and natural, blending in with the rest of your smile.

What to expect when getting a dental crown

At Fremaux Dental Care, we use the CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) system. This allows us to design and create custom dental crowns in a single visit.

Instead of using messy impression trays, we take a precise digital scan of your tooth. Advanced software then designs a crown that fits your bite and matches the shape of your natural teeth.

Once the design is complete, an in-office milling unit creates the crown from a durable ceramic block while you wait. We then place, adjust, and bond the crown the same day. This process eliminates the inconveniences of traditional methods, such as temporary crowns and return visits.

Studies show that CEREC crowns are just as strong as traditional ones, saving time and delivering a strong, natural-looking result, often in just a couple of hours.

When to talk to your dentist about crowns

If you experience pain, sensitivity, visible damage, or changes in how a tooth feels, it’s time to schedule a dental evaluation. Early care often leads to simpler treatment and better outcomes.

If any of the signs we’ve described here sound familiar, we can help you take the next step toward a stronger, healthier smile. Call Fremaux Dental Care to arrange a professional evaluation or get in touch by completing the online inquiry form.