A dental crown for broken tooth is one of the most reliable ways to restore strength, protect the tooth, and restore a natural appearance. Whether you have a cracked, chipped, or fully broken tooth, a crown can help protect the area from further damage and allow you to bite and chew comfortably again.
Many people feel worried when they hear they may need a crown, but the process is more common and more straightforward than most expect. In this guide, we will look at what a dental crown is, when it is needed, what the procedure involves, how crowns can last, and why proper care and regular dental visits matter for long-term success.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is used to protect and strengthen a damaged tooth, especially when the tooth structure can no longer hold a standard filling. Crowns function as a protective cap that covers the full visible part of the tooth, helping restore its shape and function.
You may need a crown if you have:
A cracked or chipped tooth
A cracked or chipped toothEveryday habits, grinding, or biting something hard can create a cracked or chipped tooth. Even a hairline crack weakens the tooth and exposes it to further damage.
A broken tooth
A fully broken tooth often exposes the deeper layers of the tooth, sometimes reaching the tooth’s pulp. In many cases, a crown gives the tooth the strength it needs to function properly again.
Misshapen teeth
Crowns can help reshape misshapen teeth, making the smile look more even and improving function.
Tooth decay
Severe tooth decay can destroy too much enamel for a regular filling to stay in place. When a tooth becomes damaged or decayed to this level, a crown provides strong, long-term support.
After root canal treatment
A root canal or root canal treatment often leaves the tooth more fragile. A crown is used to protect it from biting and chewing forces, reducing the risk of a split tooth or vertical root fracture.
In rare cases where the tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant or a dental bridge may be recommended instead. But if the tooth can be preserved, a crown is usually the treatment of choice.
The Crown Materials: What Are Your Options?
Dental crowns come in several materials, and your dentist will recommend the right one depending on your needs, the location of the tooth, and your bite.
Porcelain crowns
These are popular for their natural appearance. They blend well with the surrounding teeth and are commonly used on front teeth.
Metal crowns
Metal crowns are very durable and can handle strong chewing forces. They are often used on back teeth, where appearance is less of a concern.
Zirconia crowns
Modern zirconia crowns offer both strength and aesthetics. They are tough enough to handle strong chewing forces while still looking natural.
What Happens During the Crown Procedure?
Getting a crown usually takes two visits to the dentist’s office.
Step 1: Examination and Tooth Preparation
The dentist examines the tooth enamel, takes X-rays, and checks the extent of the damage.
If the tooth is infected or the pulp is exposed, a root canal treatment may be done first.
Next comes tooth preparation, where the dentist gently shapes the tooth to make room for the crown. This allows the permanent crown to fit comfortably without affecting your bite.
Step 2: Temporary Crowns
Step 2: Temporary CrownsA mould is taken to create the new crown. In the meantime, temporary crowns are placed to protect the prepared tooth and prevent sensitivity.
Step 3: The Permanent Crown
Once the final crown is ready, it is placed, checked for fit and bite, and then bonded securely. A professionally crowned tooth should feel natural, comfortable, and stable.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, crowns can last many years. Most modern crowns are designed to withstand biting and chewing forces similar to natural teeth.
Factors that affect longevity include
- Bite strength
- Grinding or clenching
- The quality of the dentist’s expertise
- Material choice
- Your overall oral health
Regular dental visits help your dentist assess the crown, ensure the gum line stays healthy, and check for any early issues, such as a loose crown or changes in the bite.
If your crown feels loose, you should see your dentist promptly. Leaving it unaddressed can cause more damage or allow decay to form beneath the crown.
Crowns vs Other Treatment Options
Sometimes, a crown is part of a larger treatment plan.
Dental fillings
A filling works well when only a small part of the tooth is damaged. But when too much structure is missing, dental fillings are no longer strong enough.
Dental bridge or dental implant
If the tooth cannot be saved, a bridge or implant may be needed. But whenever possible, preserving natural tooth structure with a crown is ideal.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Taking care of a crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. The goal is to protect the crown and the tooth underneath it.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush protects both the crown and the gum line.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Brushing twice daily, flossing gently, and keeping up good oral hygiene, along with regular dental visits, all help keep the crowned tooth healthy.
Watch your chewing habits
Try to avoid chewing firm objects such as ice, pens, or hard lollies. Excessive pressure can damage the crown or even cause the tooth underneath to fail.
Monitor for changes
If you notice any sensitivity or discomfort around the gum line or changes that do not feel normal, contact your dentist.
When a Crown May Not Be Enough
In some cases, a tooth may be too damaged to support a crown. Examples include
- a large vertical root fracture
- a tooth that has split deeply
- severe infection that cannot be resolved
In these situations, saving the tooth may not be possible. Your dentist may suggest a dental implant to replace it or advise a dental bridge if the surrounding teeth are able to support it.
The Benefits of Choosing a Crown Early
Delaying treatment after a crack, chip, or fracture increases the risk of
- A complete split tooth
- Exposure of the tooth’s pulp
- Infection
- Pain
- Need for complex treatment, like a root canal or extraction
Getting a crown early protects the tooth structure and reduces your risk of unexpected dental emergencies.
Final Thoughts
A dental crown is one of the most effective ways to restore a damaged or decayed tooth and prevent further problems. Whether you have suffered a broken tooth, a cracked tooth, or you are dealing with the effects of old dental work, a crown can make your tooth strong, stable, and natural-looking again.
With the right material, good habits, and consistent dental care, a crown can protect your smile for many years to come.
If you are dealing with a broken tooth, ongoing sensitivity, or want a stronger and longer-lasting solution for a damaged tooth, you can book a consultation or call (08) 7078 8263.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
Colgate Oral Care Editorial Team. (2023). ‘What Is Good Oral Hygiene?’. Colgate, 9 January. New York, NY: Colgate-Palmolive Company.
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-is-good-oral-hygiene
Cleveland Clinic Staff. (2023). ‘Cavities’. Cleveland Clinic, 27 March. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10946-cavities