What Exactly is a Dental Crown, and Do I Need One?

Patients frequently ask us about the difference between a standard filling and a dental crown. While a filling patches up a small hole inside a tooth, a dental crown (often called a "cap") is a custom-made restoration that completely covers and encases a tooth all the way down to the gumline. Think of it as a protective helmet designed to restore a badly damaged tooth to its original shape, size, and strength.

We typically recommend a crown when a tooth is too weak to support a regular filling. If a tooth has a massive cavity, a deep fracture line, or has already broken apart, a filling simply won't be strong enough to withstand the immense pressure of daily chewing. A crown holds the remaining pieces of the tooth safely together, preventing the crack from spreading deeper into the root.

Crowns are also commonly done after a root canal procedure. Because a root canal removes the tooth's internal nerve and blood supply, the remaining enamel naturally becomes brittle over time. Placing a porcelain or ceramic crown over the tooth ensures it doesn't split apart down the road, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with total confidence.

Modern dental crowns are engineered from high-strength materials that can be precisely color-matched to the exact shade of your surrounding teeth. They require continued home care routine of daily brushing and flossing.

At Petras Family Dental in Amherstburg, we can help you out in determining if a crown is necessary to restore your tooth, and then proceed with the treatment. Contact us at 519-713-8985 or visit petrasfamilydental.com/book to book your appointment.