If you’ve ever been told you “might need a crown,” you probably had a few questions.
What exactly does a dental crown do? When is it truly necessary? And how do you know if it’s the right option for your smile?
At Williams, Daily & Frazier Dental in Raleigh, NC, we want you to feel confident, not confused, when it comes to your dental care. This guide breaks down the basics of dental crowns, when you might need one, and how they can protect your teeth for the long haul.
A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are designed to look and function just like natural teeth, blending seamlessly into your smile.
They're typically made from:
Think of a crown as armor for a damaged tooth, it protects what’s underneath while giving you full chewing power and a natural appearance. It’s important to choose the right one for your lifestyle and take care of them well.
Learn more about crowns on this page from the American Dental Association.
Crowns aren’t just for cosmetic fixes. They serve a critical role in preserving and protecting teeth that are weakened or at risk of further damage. Here are the most common reasons we recommend a crown:
When a tooth has a large cavity, or an old filling that takes up most of the tooth, there may not be enough healthy structure left to support another filling. A crown helps hold everything together and prevent cracks.
Whether it’s from biting down on something hard, a sports injury, or teeth grinding, cracks can compromise your tooth’s integrity. A crown provides stability and protects the crack from spreading.
Root canal-treated teeth are more brittle and prone to breakage. Placing a crown helps seal the tooth and restore strength.
Teeth that have worn down from grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion can become shorter and more sensitive. A crown rebuilds the shape and function of these teeth.
In some cases, crowns are used to improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
If any of these sound familiar, schedule an exam with our team. We’ll evaluate your tooth and help you decide if a crown is the right move.
Here are a few signs your tooth may need a crown:
Even if your tooth isn’t currently painful, damage can worsen over time. The earlier we address it, the more likely we can save the tooth and avoid more intensive treatment down the road.
At Williams, Daily & Frazier Dental, we make the crown process smooth and comfortable.
With proper care, a dental crown can last 10–15 years, or even longer.
A common question we get is: Why can’t I just get another filling?
Fillings work well for small areas of decay or damage. But once a tooth is significantly weakened, a filling may not provide enough support. Fillings fill, crowns protect.
If you’re not sure which you need, we’re happy to talk you through the pros and cons of each option.
Good news: taking care of a crown is just like taking care of your natural teeth.
We’ll keep an eye on the crown’s condition and the health of the tooth beneath it at every visit.
Crowns aren’t just about fixing damage, they’re about preserving your smile and avoiding bigger dental problems later on.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, have a cracked or worn-down tooth, or just want a second opinion, our team at Williams, Daily & Frazier Dental is here to help. We offer comprehensive restorative services right here in Raleigh, NC, and we’ll walk you through every step with transparency and care.
👉 Schedule your consultation today and get the protection your smile deserves.