Plagued by a Damaged Tooth? 3 Signs You Need a Dental Crown

A damaged tooth doesn’t always cause immediate pain, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem. Small issues can silently worsen over time, leading to pain, infection, or tooth loss. 

At Dental Blvd in Mission Hills, California, Dr. Shant Terteryan designs dental crowns to restore strength, protect your vulnerable teeth, and help you maintain a healthy, functional smile.

If you’re wondering if a crown is right for you, these three signs can help point you in the right direction.

1. Your tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken

Cracks and chips often appear unexpectedly after biting into something hard, a sports injury, or years of normal wear-and-tear. Even when the damage seems minor, it can weaken your tooth and expose it to bacteria.

A dental crown helps by fully covering the damaged tooth and fortifying its structure. This added protection:

• Prevents cracks from spreading
• Shields your tooth from decay
• Restores comfortable chewing

If you feel a rough edge or notice a crack or chip, Dr. Terteryan can place a crown before the damage becomes worse.

2. You feel pain when you bite or chew

Pain that strikes when you chew or apply pressure is a common warning sign that something deeper is going on. This type of discomfort usually means there’s a crack, weakened enamel, or a failing restoration that can’t properly support your tooth anymore.

You may notice:

• Sharp pain when biting down
• Pain that comes and goes
• Sensitivity to hot and cold

A crown stabilizes your vulnerable tooth and distributes bite pressure more evenly, helping relieve pain while protecting the inner layers of your tooth from further irritation.

3. Your tooth was weakened by previous dental work

A tooth that has had large fillings, repeated procedures, or root canal treatment often needs additional reinforcement. While these treatments address immediate decay or infection, they can leave less of your natural tooth structure behind.

When your tooth becomes structurally weak, it’s more likely to crack or break under everyday use. A crown acts like protective armor, restoring strength and allowing your tooth to function normally again. 

This extra layer of protection can extend the life of your tooth and help you avoid more extensive treatment in the future.

What to expect from a dental crown

Getting a crown is a straightforward process. After an exam and digital imaging, our team carefully prepares your tooth and takes impressions to create a custom crown that blends with the shape and coloring of your surrounding teeth. 

You’ll wear a temporary crown for a few weeks while we build the permanent one or have our partner lab make it. Then you’ll return to the office, and we’ll remove the temporary crown and firmly affix your permanent one. 

Don’t ignore the signs

When one of your teeth feels weak, painful, or damaged, waiting rarely makes things better. Addressing the issue early can prevent complications, reduce severe discomfort, and protect your smile for years to come. 

If any of these signs sound familiar, a dental crown may be the answer. Call us at (818) 830-2828 or book a consultation online anytime.