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A damaged tooth doesn’t always announce itself with searing pain. Often, the warning signs start subtly – a twinge when biting down, sensitivity to temperature, or a visible crack you notice while flossing. Unfortunately, many patients dismiss these early signals, hoping the problem will resolve itself. This decision, while understandable, often leads to more extensive damage and significantly higher treatment costs down the road.
At our Allen dental practice, we see this scenario play out regularly. Dr. Peter Hazim, awarded “Best Dentist in Dallas” by D Magazine from 2017 to 2022, specializes in prosthodontics – the restoration and replacement of damaged teeth. With over two decades of experience, we’ve helped countless patients protect their oral health and save money through timely crown placement.
When Your Tooth Is Telling You It Needs Help
Your teeth communicate distress in several ways. Recognizing these signals early can save both your tooth and your wallet:
1. Persistent Pain or Sensitivity
That sharp zing when sipping hot coffee isn’t just annoying – it’s meaningful. Teeth shouldn’t be sensitive to temperature extremes. This sensitivity often indicates that enamel has worn thin or that a crack has formed, exposing the sensitive inner layers of your tooth. When addressed promptly with a crown, this sensitivity can be eliminated while protecting the tooth from further damage.
2. Visible Cracks or Large Fractures
Even hairline cracks shouldn’t be ignored. What appears minor today can rapidly progress, especially under the constant pressure of chewing. More concerning are visible fractures that extend down the tooth. Unlike your skin, teeth cannot heal themselves. A crown provides the necessary protection, preventing the crack from deepening and potentially reaching the nerve.
3. A Large Filling That’s Starting to Fail
Teeth with large fillings are structurally compromised. Over time, these fillings may begin to weaken or develop microscopic leaks where bacteria can enter. If you notice darkening around an old filling, sensitivity, or pain when chewing in that area, your filling may be failing. Replacing it with another large filling often further weakens the tooth. A crown can distribute biting forces evenly and protect the tooth from breaking.
4. Severe Discoloration That Won’t Respond to Whitening
While not always a structural concern, a deeply discolored tooth may indicate internal damage. Internal discoloration often stems from trauma that caused bleeding inside the tooth or from deterioration of an old root canal. In either case, professional whitening treatments won’t help. A dental crown can both protect the tooth and restore its appearance.
5. You’ve Had a Root Canal
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are more brittle and susceptible to fracture. Without the protection of a crown, many root-canal-treated teeth break within a few years, sometimes catastrophically. The investment in a crown protects your initial root canal investment and helps preserve the tooth for decades.
The Real Cost of Waiting
Delaying a needed crown often leads to a cascade of increasingly expensive treatments:
- A simple crown procedure may cost between $800-$1,500
- A root canal plus crown may reach $2,000-$3,000
- Extraction and replacement with an implant can exceed $4,000-$6,000 per tooth
Beyond the financial impact, there’s also the cost of additional appointments, time off work, and the potential for emergency dental visits – which always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times.
The path from a small crack to a tooth requiring extraction isn’t immediate. You may have weeks or even months before significant deterioration occurs. However, the progression is almost always one-directional without intervention.
Quality Crowns Make All the Difference
Not all dental crowns offer the same protection, aesthetics, or longevity. At our practice, Dr. Hazim uses his prosthodontic training to create crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while providing optimal function and durability.
We offer several crown options, including all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and full gold crowns, each with specific advantages depending on the tooth location and your needs. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which option may work best for your specific situation.
Dr. Peter Hazim has been providing comprehensive dentistry in Allen, Texas since 1999. As a prosthodontist, he brings specialized training in restoring damaged teeth and a commitment to comfortable, long-lasting results. We’re fluent in multiple languages to better serve our diverse community. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, we invite you to contact our office today to schedule an evaluation.
