A cracked or badly worn tooth rarely fixes itself, and waiting it out usually means more pain and a more complicated repair later. For patients in Westchase, that kind of delay is often driven by uncertainty. They are not sure whether their tooth needs a filling, a crown, or something more involved, and that uncertainty can be enough to put off the appointment altogether.
At Designing Smiles, we use dental crowns to restore teeth that are too damaged for a filling but do not require extraction. As part of our restorative dentistry services, crowns are one of the most common ways we help patients keep their natural teeth functional for years to come.
Untreated dental damage tends to get worse with time, not better. According to the CDC’s 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report, the prevalence of untreated decay in permanent teeth rises to about 22 percent among adults aged 20 to 34, a reminder that dental problems often catch up with people during some of their busiest years. A crown addresses this kind of damage directly by covering and protecting a tooth that has been weakened by decay, a large filling, or a crack.
We evaluate each tooth individually before recommending a crown, since not every damaged tooth needs one. In some cases, a tooth might be better served by dental fillings or another restorative option, and part of the consultation process is determining which treatment actually fits the extent of the damage.
Crowns are not one-size-fits-all, and we offer a few different materials depending on the tooth being treated and the patient’s priorities.
Choosing between these options usually comes down to where the tooth sits in the mouth and how much bite force it needs to withstand. We also frequently place crowns following root canal therapy, since a tooth that has undergone a root canal is often more fragile and needs extra protection to function normally again.
Getting a crown typically takes two visits. During the first appointment, we prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown, then take an impression that is used to create a custom restoration. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made.
On the second visit, we remove the temporary crown and check the permanent crown for fit, bite, and color before cementing it into place. Most patients return to normal eating and speaking almost immediately, though it is common to have some mild sensitivity to temperature for a short period afterward. We also use crowns to complete treatment for implant crowns, where the crown attaches to a dental implant rather than a natural tooth root.
A crown is built to last, but a bit of everyday care goes a long way toward getting the most out of it. Brushing and flossing around the crown just as thoroughly as the rest of the mouth helps prevent decay from developing at the edge where the crown meets the natural tooth.
Patients who grind their teeth at night may need a nightguard to protect both their crown and their remaining natural teeth from unnecessary wear. Routine checkups also give us the chance to catch any early signs of a loose or worn crown before they turn into a bigger issue, which is part of why consistent dental visits matter even after a restoration is complete.
Cost is often the deciding factor in whether a patient moves forward with a recommended crown, and we try to make that part of the process as clear as the treatment itself. Designing Smiles is in-network with several PPO plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, and MetLife, and we also accept Veterans Affairs benefits.
For patients without dental insurance, our approach is simple: no insurance, no problem. Payment plans are available for patients who want to spread out the cost of a crown, so the price of restoring a damaged tooth does not have to mean putting it off any longer.
Every tooth tells a different story, and we take the time to understand that history before recommending a crown or any other restorative treatment. Dr. Ryan Rose leads with clear explanations over rushed decisions, so patients understand their options before committing to a treatment plan. You can learn more about Dr. Ryan Rose and our approach to restorative care on the practice’s About page.
If a damaged or worn tooth has been on your mind, a dental crown may be the straightforward fix you have been putting off. Reach out to contact our office to schedule an evaluation and find out whether a crown is the right next step for your smile.
