Dental Crowns: Strength, Coverage, and a Second Chance for a Damaged Tooth

A cracked molar. A giant old filling that keeps failing. A tooth that just doesn’t feel trustworthy. When structure and strength are compromised, dental crowns step in like protective helmets—covering the entire visible tooth so you can chew, smile, and speak with confidence.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom cap that fits over a prepared tooth. It restores size, shape, and strength when a filling would be too large or too risky. Crowns are made from materials like porcelain, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or even full gold in select cases. The right choice depends on visibility when you smile, your bite forces, and any history of grinding.

When a Crown Makes Sense

Large decay or failing filling where a new filling could fracture the tooth
Cracked tooth syndrome with pain on chewing
After root canal therapy to prevent breakage
Worn or short teeth that need rebuilding
Cosmetic correction for misshapen or discolored teeth when veneers aren’t suitable
Dental implant restoration (the visible part of the implant is a crown)

What to Expect: From Prep to Placement

Exam and planning: Digital scans and X-rays guide the plan.
Tooth preparation: Damaged portions are removed; the tooth is shaped so the crown fits precisely.
Impressions or scans: These capture exact details for the dental lab.
Temporary crown: Protects your tooth while the lab fabricates the final.
Delivery visit: The crown is tried in, adjusted, and permanently cemented once you and your provider love the fit and shade.

Some offices offer same-day crowns using chairside milling. Others partner with high-end labs for specialized esthetics. Either way, precision is the name of the game.

Materials, Decoded

All-ceramic/porcelain: Highly esthetic for front teeth; blends with natural translucency.
Zirconia: Very strong and increasingly esthetic; great for molars and grinders.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Time-tested with solid strength; a slight metal edge may show if gums recede.
Gold alloys: Gentle on opposing teeth, excellent longevity, but not everyone loves the color.

Benefits Backed by Professional Literature

Longevity and protection: Crowns distribute chewing forces and protect vulnerable tooth structure—a standard principle in restorative dentistry textbooks.
Precision fit: Lab-made restorations follow strict protocols for margins and contacts, reducing plaque traps.
Post-root-canal stability: Studies consistently show crowned root-canaled teeth survive longer than uncrowned ones.
Custom shade and shape: Professional references emphasize the esthetic customization possible with modern ceramics.

Caring for a Crown

Brush, floss (yes, floss around crowns), and keep your cleanings on schedule.
Avoid chewing ice or opening packages with your teeth.
If you grind, a nightguard can dramatically extend crown lifespan.

Troubleshooting

Sensitivity: Mild sensitivity after cementation usually fades in days to weeks.
Bite feels off: A micro-adjustment can make a big difference—don’t wait if something feels high.
Chipping: Porcelain can chip under heavy force; zirconia or gold may be better if you’re a strong grinder.

Crown vs. Filling vs. Veneer

Choose a dental crown when the tooth is weak or missing lots of structure.
A filling works for small to moderate cavities with strong surrounding enamel.
A veneer is for esthetic front-tooth changes when most of the tooth is healthy.

If you’ve been told a tooth is “borderline,” a careful evaluation will weigh the risks so you get a restoration that lasts.

Strong teeth feel like peace of mind. To learn whether dental crowns are right for you, call Bensonhurst Implant and Family Dentistry at 718-372-2800 or visit 2250 86th St, 2nd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11214 to schedule a consultation.