A damaged or weakened tooth may need more support than a filling can provide. At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists provide dental crowns in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to restore strength, function and appearance when a tooth has lost a significant amount of healthy structure.
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has completed approximately 7,000 crown and bridge treatments throughout his career. Dr. Brock Russell also has extensive restorative experience, including more than 300 crowns. Their combined background allows our dentists to plan crowns around the condition of the tooth, your bite and the way the restoration should look and function within your smile.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a restoration that covers and protects the visible portion of a tooth. It may be recommended when a tooth is too damaged, weakened or heavily restored to be treated predictably with a smaller restoration.
Crowns can restore the shape and function of the tooth while also helping protect the remaining natural structure. Depending on the location of the tooth and the treatment plan, the restoration can also be designed to blend naturally with the surrounding smile.
When Might You Need a Dental Crown?
Our dentists may recommend a crown when a tooth needs additional support or more extensive restoration. Common reasons include:
- A large cavity or significant loss of tooth structure
- A cracked, fractured or weakened tooth
- A large or failing dental filling
- A tooth that has received root canal treatment
- Severe wear that has changed the shape or function of the tooth
- A tooth that needs to support a dental bridge
- A dental implant that needs a final tooth restoration
Whether a crown is appropriate depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains, the condition of the root and surrounding tissues, and how the tooth functions within your bite.
Dental Crowns for Cracked or Worn Teeth
A tooth does not always need to be severely decayed before it requires a crown. Cracks, fractures and significant wear can also weaken the tooth or change the way chewing forces are distributed.
Dr. Godfrey has advanced training in occlusion through Spear Education and considers how the restored tooth will interact with the opposing and neighboring teeth. Dr. Russell has also completed Spear Education’s Treating the Worn Dentition course, adding to his restorative experience with teeth affected by wear.
This is especially important when a crown is being used not only to repair damage but also to restore proper shape and function.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown
Treatment begins with an examination of the tooth and surrounding structures. Our dentists will determine how much tooth structure remains, whether the tooth is healthy enough to support a crown and whether any other treatment is needed first.
The tooth is then prepared so the restoration can fit securely over it. Impressions or digital records are used to capture the shape of the prepared tooth, surrounding teeth and bite. Depending on the treatment plan, a temporary crown may be placed while the final restoration is being created.
When the final crown is ready, our dentists evaluate the fit, bite and appearance before securing it in place.
Why the Fit and Bite of a Crown Matter
A crown needs to restore more than the visible shape of a tooth. It also needs to fit accurately against the surrounding teeth and function comfortably when you bite and chew.
If a restoration is too high or does not fit the bite properly, it may create unnecessary stress on the tooth or surrounding structures. Our dentists evaluate these relationships as part of the final fit rather than focusing only on appearance.
Dr. Godfrey has extensive restorative experience and advanced study in occlusion, comprehensive treatment planning and complex dental cases. That background is especially relevant when a crown is part of a larger restorative dentistry plan involving several teeth.
Dental Crowns and Natural-Looking Results
When a crown is visible in the smile, color, shape and proportion become important parts of treatment planning. The goal is to restore the tooth while creating an appearance that fits naturally with the surrounding teeth.
Dr. Godfrey has completed hundreds of cosmetic cases in addition to his extensive crown and bridge experience. This combination of restorative and aesthetic dentistry helps him consider both function and appearance when planning visible restorations.
Patients with broader aesthetic goals may also benefit from discussing cosmetic dentistry as part of a coordinated treatment plan.
Can a Crown Help Save a Damaged Tooth?
When enough healthy structure remains, a crown may help preserve and protect a tooth that would otherwise be at greater risk of further damage. The tooth must still have a stable foundation and be suitable for restoration.
If a tooth is too severely damaged to restore predictably, our dentists may discuss tooth extraction and replacement options instead. The recommendation is based on the long-term outlook for the tooth rather than simply whether a crown can physically be placed.
Caring for a Dental Crown
A crown protects the visible portion of a restored tooth, but the natural tooth and gums around it still need regular care. Brushing, flossing and keeping up with dental cleanings can help protect the tooth margins and surrounding tissues.
Crowns can also experience wear or damage over time. Our dentists can monitor existing restorations during routine visits and let you know if a crown needs adjustment, repair or replacement.
Experience With Crown and Restorative Treatment
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has more than 20 years of clinical experience and has completed approximately 7,000 crown and bridge treatments, ranging from restoring individual damaged teeth to rebuilding more complex smiles. He also completes more than 100 hours of continuing education annually with Spear Education, including advanced study in restorative dentistry, aesthetics, occlusion and comprehensive treatment planning.
Dr. Brock Russell has completed more than 300 crowns and has a strong restorative background that includes more than 2,000 fillings and restorative cases. His continuing education includes advanced restorative training and Spear coursework focused on worn dentition.
Dental Crown FAQs
How do I know if I need a crown instead of a filling?
A filling may be appropriate when a smaller portion of the tooth needs repair. A crown provides more extensive coverage and may be recommended when the tooth is significantly weakened, fractured, worn or has lost a larger amount of structure. Our dentists can determine which option is appropriate after examining the tooth.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Some teeth may benefit from a crown after root canal treatment because the remaining tooth structure may need additional protection. The recommendation depends on the location of the tooth, how much structure remains and the forces placed on it.
Can a crown fix a cracked tooth?
A crown may be used to protect some cracked or fractured teeth, but treatment depends on the location and extent of the damage. Our dentists will evaluate whether the tooth can be restored predictably before recommending a crown.
Can dental crowns look natural?
Yes. When appearance is important, the crown can be planned around the color, shape and proportions of the surrounding teeth. Dr. Godfrey combines restorative and cosmetic experience when planning visible restorations.
How long does a dental crown last?
The lifespan of a crown varies based on the tooth, bite forces, oral hygiene, restoration material and other individual factors. Regular dental visits allow our dentists to monitor the crown and surrounding tooth over time.
Can a crown be replaced if it becomes damaged?
In many cases, an existing crown can be replaced if it becomes worn, damaged or no longer fits properly. Our dentists will also evaluate the tooth underneath before recommending a new restoration.
Where can I get dental crowns in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Excellence in Dentistry provides dental crowns for damaged, weakened and worn teeth. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation with our dentists and learn which restorative option may be appropriate.
Restore and Protect a Damaged Tooth
If a damaged, worn or weakened tooth needs additional support, dental crowns in Idaho Falls, ID, may help restore its strength, function and appearance. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation at Excellence in Dentistry and discuss your restorative options with our dentists.