A woman with a cracked tooth holding her jaw before getting a dental crown in Rapid CityCracking a tooth can be painful and stressful. Whether it happened while chewing something hard or because an old filling gave way, you may be wondering: can a cracked tooth be saved with a dental crown?

In many cases, dental crowns are an effective option for tooth restoration and protection, especially if the crack hasn’t reached the root. However, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential.

At Orchard Meadows Family Dental & Denture Clinic, our team, led by award-winning dentist Dr. Mark Garner, is committed to providing quality care with attention to comfort and affordability. keep reading to learn how a dental crown can repair a broken tooth.

How Do Dental Crowns Work?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and function while preventing further damage. At Orchard Meadows Family Dental & Denture Clinic, our in-house cosmetic lab and advanced technology allow us to craft crowns that are strong and natural-looking, often with quicker turnaround times.

Signs You Might Need a Crown for a Cracked Tooth

You might need a crown for a broken tooth if you have:

  • Pain when chewing or biting down;
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures;
  • A visible crack or fracture line in the tooth; or
  • Swelling of the gums around the tooth.

If you notice any of these issues, don’t wait. Early treatment increases the chances of saving your tooth and reduces the likelihood that you’ll need more extensive care.

What to Expect During Treatment

The process of saving a broken tooth with a dental crown involves the following:

  • Exam & Imaging — we’ll assess the extent of the crack using digital imaging.
  • Tooth Preparation — if the tooth is savable, we’ll remove any damaged tooth structure and reshape it.
  • Crown Placement — we’ll take impressions and place a temporary crown, followed by a permanent one a short time later.

Schedule a Dental Crown Consultation in Rapid City

If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem. A dental crown might be the simple solution you need to preserve your natural tooth and restore your smile.

Contact Orchard Meadows Family Dental & Denture Clinic at 605-737-3150 to schedule a consultation at our Rapid City practice.