5 Signs You May Need a Dental Crown—According to Columbia, SC Dentists

A dental crown is a custom “cap” that restores a damaged tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance. Decay, cracks, and erosion can weaken a tooth. In these situations, a crown provides protection and helps the tooth function comfortably again. If you’re weighing a dental crown in Columbia, SC, here are five signs dentists use to decide when a crown makes sense.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A crown acts as a protective cap that covers the whole visible surface of a tooth. Dentists recommend it when the tooth is too weak for a filling alone. Today’s crowns come in materials such as porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. They’re designed to match your bite and look seamless with nearby teeth.

Quick Facts: Crowns at a Glance

• Purpose: Reinforce weak or broken teeth and restore function.
• Materials: Porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal.
• Longevity: Many last 10–15 years with good care.
• Benefits: Strength, comfort, natural look, and better chewing.
• Limits: Not a cure for gum disease; still requires daily hygiene.

Sign #1: Severe Tooth Decay That Can’t Be Fixed With a Filling

Large cavities remove significant tooth structure. A filling may patch the hole, but it won’t brace thin walls that can fracture under normal chewing. A crown surrounds the tooth, distributing biting forces more evenly and reducing the risk of future breaks.

Sign #2: A Cracked, Broken, or Fractured Tooth

Cracks can be painful with chewing or temperature changes. If a tooth is split or missing a cusp, a crown helps hold it together and seal out bacteria. Prompt coverage can prevent the crack from propagating and protect the nerve inside the tooth.

Sign #3: Large or Failing Fillings

Old, oversized fillings can leak, stain, or loosen at the edges. Replacing a failing filling with another filling sometimes weakens the tooth more. A crown offers a full-coverage solution that stabilizes the remaining enamel and reduces the chance of repeat repairs.

Sign #4: Root Canal Treatment

After root canal therapy, a tooth often becomes more brittle. A crown protects it from fracture and restores normal function. Back teeth (molars and premolars) almost always need crowns after root canal treatment because they handle heavy chewing forces.

Sign #5: Worn-Down or Eroded Teeth

Chronic grinding (bruxism), acid erosion, or long-standing bite imbalance can shorten or flatten teeth. Crowns rebuild proper height, improve chewing efficiency, and help correct the bite. A nightguard may be recommended to protect new restorations from grinding forces.

Additional Reasons You Might Need a Dental Crown

• Cosmetic improvement: Masking severe discoloration or shape irregularities.
• Support for a bridge: Anchoring a dental bridge that replaces missing teeth.
• Dental implant restoration: The crown is the visible tooth attached to an implant.
• Fractured cusp from trauma: Restoring strength after a chip or break.

If you’re exploring a dental crown near you, ask about materials, shade matching, and whether your bite or grinding habits need attention first.

What to Expect During Your Crown Appointment at Premier Smile Center

Consultation and exam: Your dentist evaluates the tooth, checks your bite, and reviews X-rays. If appropriate, Dr. Glenn S. Smith will discuss options, including crown materials and any preliminary treatment needed.

Tooth preparation: The dentist carefully reshapes the tooth so the crown can fit properly. If decay is present, it’s removed, and the area is cleaned. A core build-up may be placed when there’s extensive loss of structure.

Impressions or scans: Digital scans or impressions capture precise measurements. A shade is selected to match your smile.

Temporary crown: A temporary crown shields the tooth while your permanent crown is being made at the dental lab.

Final placement: At the next visit, fit and bite are checked. The crown is adjusted as needed and cemented. You’ll get care and hygiene tips for long-term success.

When to See a Dentist  in Columbia, SC

Book a visit if you notice:

• Ongoing sensitivity or pain when chewing
• A cracked or chipped tooth
• A filling that feels loose or the tooth looks dark around the edges.
• A tooth repaired with root canal therapy that remains uncrowned
• Flattened or short teeth from grinding

If you’re comparing options with a dentist in 29223, ask about crown materials, estimated timelines, and nightguard recommendations if you clench or grind.

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