A damaged tooth does not always mean losing the tooth. In many cases, a dental crown can protect the healthy structure that remains, restore strength, and help you bite and chew comfortably again.
At Lykke Dentistry, we provide custom dental crowns in Pflugerville, TX for teeth that are cracked, weakened, heavily filled, worn down, or otherwise unable to be predictably repaired with a filling alone.
Before recommending a crown, we take a close look at the tooth itself, the health of the nerve, your bite, and how much strong natural tooth structure remains. From there, we can explain what we see and help you understand whether a crown or another restorative option makes the most sense.
Our goal is simple: preserve your tooth when we can and choose a restoration designed to support its long-term health and function.
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth.
You can think of it as a protective outer layer. A crown helps restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and function while allowing you to continue using the natural tooth underneath.
Crowns are often recommended when a tooth no longer has enough healthy structure to reliably support a filling. They may also be used to restore teeth that are cracked, significantly worn, weakened by a large existing filling, or treated with a root canal.
Because every tooth is different, we do not recommend crowns based on symptoms alone. We evaluate the extent of the damage, the amount of healthy tooth remaining, the condition of the nerve, and the forces placed on the tooth when you bite and chew.
You may not always know when a tooth needs a crown. In fact, several dental problems can cause similar symptoms, which is why an exam is important before deciding on treatment.
It may be time to have a tooth evaluated if you notice:
Pain when biting or chewing
Discomfort under pressure can sometimes occur when a tooth is cracked, weakened, or otherwise damaged.
A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
Depending on the size and location of the damage, a crown may help hold the remaining tooth structure together and protect it from further fracture.
A large cavity or older filling
When decay or an existing restoration takes up a significant portion of the tooth, there may not be enough strong enamel left to support another filling.
Worn or flattened teeth
Grinding and clenching can gradually wear teeth down, change their shape, and weaken the remaining structure.
A tooth that has had root canal treatment
Some root canal-treated teeth, especially back teeth that handle heavier chewing forces, may benefit from the added protection of a crown.
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure
Sensitivity can have many causes and does not automatically mean you need a crown. It is, however, a good reason to have the tooth checked.
During your exam, we may use dental X-rays along with a clinical evaluation to understand what is happening beneath the surface. This helps us determine whether the tooth can be restored, whether the nerve is healthy, and which treatment option offers the most predictable outcome.
Knowing what to expect can make the process feel much more manageable. Traditional dental crown treatment usually takes place over two appointments.
We begin with a thorough examination and take any necessary X-rays.
We look for decay, cracks, failing fillings, changes around the root, and signs that the nerve inside the tooth may be irritated or infected.
If the nerve is significantly damaged, root canal treatment may be needed before the crown is placed. If the tooth can be reliably repaired with a more conservative restoration, we will talk through that option too.
At your treatment appointment, we numb the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable.
Any decay or weakened restorative material is removed. If a large portion of the tooth is missing, we may place a core buildup to recreate enough structure to support the crown.
The tooth is then carefully shaped so the crown can fit securely over it without feeling bulky.
Once the tooth is prepared, we take a digital scan rather than a traditional impression.
The scan captures the shape of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth so your crown can be designed to fit comfortably within your bite.
Your custom restoration is then created to complement the size, shape, and appearance of the surrounding teeth.
While your permanent crown is being made, we place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth.
This protects the tooth and allows you to continue eating and smiling normally in the meantime.
Temporary crowns are not as strong as your final restoration, so we generally recommend avoiding especially hard, crunchy, or sticky foods on that side until your permanent crown is placed.
At your second appointment, we remove the temporary crown and try in your permanent restoration.
Before it is secured, we check the fit, shape, appearance, and the way your teeth come together when you bite. We can make small adjustments as needed so the crown feels comfortable and natural.
Once everything looks and feels right, the crown is bonded or cemented into place.
It is normal for a newly crowned tooth to feel slightly different at first. Some patients experience mild gum tenderness or temporary sensitivity for a few days.
Your bite should ultimately feel balanced and comfortable. If the crown feels high when you bite, becomes loose, or you experience persistent pain or swelling, contact our office so we can evaluate it.
A dental crown can be an excellent way to strengthen and protect a compromised tooth, but it should be recommended for the right reasons.
At Lykke Dentistry, restorative care begins with understanding what caused the problem and how much healthy tooth we can preserve.
We look beyond the visible crack, cavity, or filling to consider the tooth’s nerve, your bite, surrounding teeth, and the forces placed on your smile over time. Then we walk you through what we find and the treatment options available to you.
When a crown is the right choice, we combine careful preparation, digital scanning, and a custom restoration to rebuild the tooth with attention to both function and appearance.
If you are looking for dental crowns in Pflugerville, TX, schedule a visit with Lykke Dentistry. We can evaluate the tooth, explain your options, and help you determine the right next step.
How do I know if I need a crown instead of a filling?
It usually comes down to how much healthy tooth structure remains and how extensive the damage is.
A smaller cavity may be predictably repaired with a filling. If the tooth has a very large cavity, a significant crack, or an existing filling that leaves the remaining tooth walls thin or weak, a crown may provide more support.
Your dentist will examine the tooth and recommend the most appropriate restoration based on its condition.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthetic before the tooth is prepared, so you should not feel sharp pain during the procedure.
Some temporary sensitivity or soreness can occur afterward, especially around the gumline. If discomfort is significant, worsening, or does not improve, let your dentist know.
Do I need a root canal before getting a crown?
No. Many teeth receive crowns without ever needing root canal treatment.
A root canal may be recommended when the tissue inside the tooth is infected, severely inflamed, or no longer healthy enough to recover. We evaluate the nerve before placing a crown and will explain if additional treatment is necessary.
How long does it take to get a dental crown?
Traditional crown treatment usually takes two appointments.
At the first visit, the tooth is prepared, digitally scanned, and covered with a temporary crown. At the second visit, the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite before being securely placed.
What should I avoid with a temporary crown?
Try to avoid very sticky foods, hard candies, ice, and other foods that could pull on or fracture the temporary crown.
You can continue brushing normally. When flossing around the temporary crown, follow your dentist’s instructions so you do not accidentally dislodge it.
How long do dental crowns last?
There is no single lifespan that applies to every crown.
How long a crown lasts can depend on the tooth being restored, your bite, oral hygiene, grinding or clenching habits, diet, and other factors. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor both the crown and the natural tooth underneath it.
Can a tooth still get a cavity after it has a crown?
Yes. The crown itself cannot develop a cavity, but the natural tooth underneath it still can.
Decay can form where the crown meets the tooth, particularly if plaque accumulates around the gumline. Daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental exams remain important after a crown is placed.
Can a crowned tooth still need a root canal later?
Yes. Although many crowned teeth remain healthy, the nerve inside a tooth can occasionally become inflamed or infected after a crown has been placed.
If you develop persistent pain, prolonged temperature sensitivity, swelling, or other new symptoms, your dentist can evaluate the tooth and determine whether root canal treatment or another type of care is needed.
What if my crown feels too high or my bite feels different?
A new crown may feel unfamiliar for the first few days, but your bite should not continue to feel uneven.
If the crown feels like it touches before your other teeth, causes pain when chewing, or simply does not begin to feel natural, contact our office. A small bite adjustment may be all that is needed.
What should I do if my crown comes off?
Keep the crown if you can and contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Avoid chewing on the affected tooth, and do not try to permanently reattach the crown yourself. Your dentist will need to examine the tooth and crown to determine whether it can be recemented or if another restoration is needed.
How do I care for a dental crown?
A crowned tooth should be cared for much like your natural teeth.
Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and keep up with routine dental exams and professional cleanings. If you grind or clench your teeth, your dentist may also discuss whether a night guard could help protect your restorations and natural teeth.
