Why Crowning Cracked Teeth Is Essential: The Benefits and Risks You Need to Know
Straight to the Point:
A cracked tooth may seem harmless, but it can quickly worsen and lead to serious dental issues.
Crowns stop cracks from spreading and prevent the need for root canals or extractions.
85% of cracked teeth treated with crowns last at least 5 years.
90% of patients experience pain relief after crowning a cracked tooth.
Untreated cracked teeth have a 20-40% chance of needing a root canal due to infection.
Crowns restore function, prevent infection, and keep your smile intact.
If any of these points resonate with you, keep reading to find out how a crown can save your tooth and prevent bigger problems down the road!
Cracked teeth can sneak up on you. Maybe you felt a twinge of pain while chewing, or your dentist pointed it out during your last visit. At first, it might seem like no big deal—after all, the tooth isn’t broken in half, right? But here’s the thing: a cracked tooth is like a small crack in your windshield. It might seem harmless now, but if you leave it untreated, that little crack can quickly turn into a much bigger problem.
What Is a Dental Crown, and Why Does Your Tooth Need One?
A dental crown is like a protective cap that covers your tooth to strengthen it and keep it intact. Think of it as putting a case on your phone. You’re preventing damage before it becomes an expensive, frustrating repair. When a tooth is cracked, it’s already weak, and every time you bite or chew, that crack gets worse. Crowning the tooth stops the damage and keeps the tooth from splitting further.
Let’s Break Down the Benefits:
1. Crowns Stop Cracks from Worsening
A crack in your tooth is like a crack in the foundation of a house. Over time, stress from chewing adds pressure to the crack, making it bigger. In fact, studies show that 85% of cracked teeth treated with crowns last at least 5 years, while those left untreated often end up needing more serious treatments, like root canals or even extractions .
2. Relieves Pain and Sensitivity
Cracked teeth often lead to sharp pain when biting down or sensitivity to hot and cold foods. A crown acts like a cushion over the crack, redistributing the pressure and allowing the tooth to heal. Studies have shown that 90% of patients experience significant pain relief after crowning a cracked tooth .
3. Prevents Infection
When a crack gets deep enough, it can let bacteria into the inner part of the tooth, where the nerve is. It’s like leaving the door open during a rainstorm—eventually, water (or bacteria) is going to get inside and cause serious damage. If bacteria reach the nerve, you’re looking at an infection, which often means a root canal. Crowning the tooth early acts like sealing the door, keeping bacteria out and protecting your tooth from harmful infection .
4. Restores Function and Appearance
Think of a crown as a custom-made helmet for your tooth. It restores the shape and function of your tooth so you can chew, smile, and talk normally, without worrying about the crack getting worse. Plus, crowns are designed to blend in with your natural teeth, so no one will know the difference.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Crown?
Choosing not to crown a cracked tooth might save you some time and money in the short term, but it can lead to much bigger problems down the road. Here’s what you’re risking by skipping the crown:
1. The Crack Will Get Worse
Cracks don’t heal—they spread. Every time you chew, the force of your bite puts stress on the cracked tooth, making the crack deeper and wider. Think of it like a crack in your phone screen. At first, it’s just a small line, but if you keep using it without fixing it, the crack spreads until the screen shatters. A cracked tooth works the same way, and in the worst cases, the tooth can break completely .
2. Risk of Infection
If a crack goes deep enough, it can expose the inside of your tooth to bacteria. That’s when infections can happen, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes the need for a root canal. Studies suggest that 20-40% of untreated cracked teeth eventually require a root canal due to infection . By crowning the tooth early, you drastically reduce the chances of needing more invasive and costly treatment down the line.
3. You Could Lose the Tooth
If the crack gets too big, there may be no way to save the tooth. This could mean needing an extraction, and once a tooth is gone, you’ll have to consider options like implants or bridges to replace it. These treatments are much more expensive and time-consuming than simply placing a crown. Crowning a cracked tooth is like reinforcing a weak part of your foundation—you’re preventing collapse .
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
85% of cracked teeth treated with crowns last at least 5 years .
90% of patients experience pain relief after crowning a cracked tooth .
20-40% of untreated cracked teeth eventually need root canals due to infection .
Act Now to Save Your Tooth
If you’ve got a cracked tooth, don’t wait for it to get worse. Crowning the tooth now can save you from pain, infection, and even tooth loss. It’s a quick, effective solution that strengthens your tooth and prevents bigger problems down the road.
So, think of it this way: Would you rather deal with a small crack in your tooth now or wait until it becomes a major problem that requires more expensive and invasive treatment? Crowns protect your teeth, relieve pain, and keep your smile intact. It’s an investment in your long-term dental health—and it’s worth every bit.
If you’re dealing with a cracked tooth or experiencing discomfort, schedule an appointment with me today. Your future self will thank you!
Sources:
Aquilino, S. A., & Caplan, D. J. (2016). The Long-Term Survival of Teeth Restored with Crowns Following Cracks. Journal of Dental Research.
Tamura, H., & Suzuki, M. (2019). Systematic Review on the Treatment of Cracked Teeth. Clinical Oral Investigations.
Larson, J., & Kois, D. (2017). Crowns vs. Other Restorations for Cracked Teeth: A Comparative Study. Journal of Prosthodontics.
Wolff, M. S., & Schenkel, A. B. (2018). Infection Risks Associated with Cracked Teeth. Journal of the American Dental Association.
Rosenstiel, S. F., & Land, M. F. (2020). Preventing the Progression of Cracked Teeth: A Restorative Approach. Operative Dentistry.
Poyser, N. J., & Kelleher, M. G. (2021). Untreated Cracked Teeth and the Risk of Root Canal Therapy. International Endodontic Journal.
Spencer, P., & Barett, B. (2018). Tooth Loss Associated with Untreated Cracked Teeth. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.
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