What Happens If I Don't Get a Crown for My Damaged Tooth?

When you have a tooth that’s damaged in some way, a dental crown is often the ideal solution to save it. Crowns are durable and discreet, restoring function in a tooth that no longer works properly.

According to board-certified dentist Bella Pinkatz, DDS, of Kew Gardens Dental P.C., in Queens, New York City, not getting a crown on a tooth that’s already damaged can lead to additional problems. She explains more about the potential consequences of not placing a crown on a damaged tooth.

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns are small caps that permanently attach to your tooth. Crowns are commonly made of porcelain, metal, and ceramic.

If your tooth needs additional support to chew and perform other functions, a crown helps it do so while preserving what’s left of the tooth. Our team might recommend a crown if:

• You’ve had a root canal
• The tooth is cracked
• Some of the tooth is chipped off
• The tooth is badly decayed
• The tooth is severely discolored or misshapen

Your tooth may also need a crown if it’s had multiple fillings in different locations. This can leave the tooth in a weakened state.

The risks of not getting a crown

When our team recommends a dental crown, you should begin the process as soon as possible. Not getting a crown can lead to several consequences, including:

Tooth functionality issues

When teeth need a crown, they’re often unable to perform basic functions correctly. You might find you need to adapt the way you chew your food, which can lead to additional problems. For example, chewing mostly on one side of your mouth to avoid putting stress on a damaged tooth can lead to the teeth on that side developing more cavities from the additional work. 

Greater tooth damage

Our team only recommends getting a crown on teeth that are compromised. When you delay or avoid getting a crown, the damage only keeps getting worse.

Without prompt placement of a crown, you may end up needing additional procedures, such as extra fillings or even a root canal, on the affected tooth.

Increased risk of infection

If your tooth needs a crown because of an issue like a crack or chip, it’s vulnerable to various infections entering through the opening. You can end up needing antibiotics and additional treatment.

Increased pain and sensitivity

The damage caused to your tooth that requires a root canal can cause you to have sensitivity and pain to things like hot and cold water or eating. You’ll be subjected to discomfort easily avoided by getting a root canal and crown.

Losing the tooth

In a worst-case scenario, the problems caused by not getting a crown can be serious enough to cause you to lose the tooth. A dental implant or other tooth replacement is more complicated and expensive than a dental crown.

Getting a dental crown is a straightforward and painless process completed over the course of two office visits. Once you’re fitted for and receive the permanent crown, the results can last for decades.

Getting a dental crown gives newfound longevity and strength to a damaged tooth, and the benefits far outweigh the risks of not treating the tooth. Contact us today to discuss whether getting a dental crown is right for you.