Your tooth has been sending signals for weeks — sensitivity to hot and cold, a dull ache when you bite down, or maybe a crack you can feel with your tongue but haven’t had checked. These aren’t things to push to the back of your mind. In many cases, they’re your tooth asking for a crown, a restoration that protects and strengthens a tooth that can no longer do its job on its own. The good news is that catching these signs early gives you the best chance of saving the tooth.
At Shoreline Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, our team offers restorative dentistry care designed to keep your smile healthy and functional for years to come. Dr. Brittany Wood, born and raised right here in the Hampton Roads area, takes a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to every treatment she recommends, including dental crowns.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. According to the American Dental Association’s patient resource on crowns, crowns are used to protect weak teeth from breaking, restore already broken teeth, and cover teeth that are severely discolored or badly shaped. Once a crown is placed, it fully encases the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, functioning just like a natural tooth.
Crowns can be made from ceramic, porcelain, composite resin, or metal, depending on the location of the tooth and the patient’s needs. During your visit, we take the time to talk through your options and help you choose the material that fits your bite, your lifestyle, and your goals.
5 Signs You May Need a Dental Crown
1. A Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A cracked tooth may not always be visible to the naked eye, but you’ll often feel it. Pain when biting or chewing, sudden sharp sensitivity, or discomfort that comes and goes can all point to a fracture. Left untreated, cracks can deepen and reach the root, which may lead to more invasive treatment down the road. A crown placed over a cracked tooth holds the pieces together and prevents the fracture from progressing.
2. A Large Cavity That a Filling Can’t Fix
Not every cavity can be handled with a filling. When decay has destroyed a large portion of the tooth, there may not be enough healthy structure left to hold a filling in place reliably. In these cases, a crown provides full coverage and protection, restoring the tooth’s function without requiring extraction. Keeping up with preventive dental care can help catch decay early before it reaches this stage.
3. A Tooth That Has Had a Root Canal
Root canal therapy saves a tooth from extraction, but it also leaves the tooth more brittle and vulnerable to fracture. A crown placed after a root canal is standard practice because it protects the treated tooth from the pressure of everyday biting and chewing. Without a crown, a tooth that has had a root canal is at a much higher risk of cracking or breaking, which could undo the work of the root canal entirely.
4. A Severely Worn-Down Tooth
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can wear tooth enamel down significantly over time. Acid erosion from diet or acid reflux can have a similar effect. When a tooth becomes too worn to function properly, a crown restores its height and protects what remains of the enamel. If you’re a grinder, we’ll also talk with you about ways to protect your crown and your other teeth going forward.
5. A Broken or Severely Damaged Tooth
A tooth that has broken due to trauma, biting on something hard, or structural failure may still be salvageable with a crown. As long as the root is healthy and enough tooth structure remains above the gumline, a crown can give that tooth a second life. The following are the most common situations in which a broken tooth may be a candidate for a crown rather than an extraction:
- Visible fracture with an intact root: the tooth has broken above the gumline but the root and surrounding bone are still healthy and strong
- Partial break affecting biting surfaces: one cusp or a portion of the crown has broken off, leaving the rest of the tooth structurally sound
- Trauma-related damage: an injury caused a break or chip significant enough that a filling or bonding is not a stable long-term option
Every case is different, and an exam is the only way to know for certain whether a crown is the right path forward.
What to Expect During the Crown Process
Getting a dental crown typically takes two appointments. At the first visit, we prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crown, take impressions or digital scans, and place a temporary crown while your permanent one is being made. At the second appointment, we remove the temporary crown, check the fit of the permanent one, and cement it in place.
Most patients find the process straightforward and comfortable. Local anesthesia is used during the preparation appointment, so you won’t feel the reshaping process. If you have questions about coverage or financing, our team can walk you through your insurance information or discuss our membership plan as an alternative option.
Visit Shoreline Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Virginia Beach
Dr. Brittany Wood and her team are here to help you protect every tooth in your smile. Established in 2023, Shoreline Cosmetic & Family Dentistry was built on a commitment to providing Virginia Beach families with personalized, high-quality care — the kind Dr. Wood would want for her own family.
If you’ve been noticing any of the signs described above, don’t wait to get them checked. Reach out today through our contact page to schedule your visit with Dr. Wood.
