Restorative Dentistry – What Is a Crown and When Do I Need One?

So, you’ve been told you might need a crown. No, not the sparkly kind royalty wears—but still a pretty powerful upgrade for your tooth. In restorative dentistry, dental crowns are one of the best ways to protect, restore, and strengthen teeth that have seen better days.

Let’s take a closer look at what a crown does, when it’s needed, and why it can save your smile.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It’s designed to:

• Restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength
• Protect it from further damage
• Improve appearance, especially if the tooth is misshapen or discolored

Crowns can be made from different materials, like porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these. Most people today prefer porcelain or zirconia crowns for their durability and natural look.

When Would I Need a Crown?

Crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but still worth saving. Common reasons include:

• Large cavities that compromise the structure of the tooth
• After a root canal, when the tooth is hollow and fragile
• Broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth
• Misshaped or severely discolored teeth
• Replacing an old or failing filling

Think of a crown like a helmet for your tooth. Once it’s placed, the tooth beneath it is protected from pressure, bacteria, and wear.

The Crown Placement Process

Getting a crown usually takes two visits:

First Visit:

• The tooth is prepared (shaped and filed down).
• An impression or digital scan is taken.
• A temporary crown is placed.

Second Visit:

• The permanent crown is checked for fit and color.
• It’s bonded in place with dental cement.

Same-day crowns may be available in some offices using in-house milling technology, but the traditional method remains widely trusted.

Benefits of Dental Crowns Backed by Research

According to the Journal of Prosthodontic Research, dental crowns are one of the most successful long-term restorative solutions, especially following root canals or large restorations.

Benefits include:

• Longevity – Crowns can last 10–15 years or more with good care.
• Improved function – Restores chewing power and comfort.
• Aesthetic improvement – Especially with porcelain, they blend beautifully with natural teeth.
• Tooth preservation – Protects and maintains the root structure and jaw stability.

They’re a smart way to protect your investment—your natural teeth.

Give Your Tooth a Fresh Start

If your tooth is compromised, don’t wait for it to get worse. A dental crown can help you chew, smile, and speak with confidence again—without the fear of cracking or losing the tooth.

To see if a dental crown is the right next step for your smile, contact Eagle Mountain Dentistry at 817-420-6676 or visit us at 8455 Boat Club Rd, Ste. 175 in Fort Worth, Texas to schedule your appointment today.