How Much Tooth Structure Is Needed For a Crown?
A strong, healthy tooth is the foundation of a confident smile. But when a tooth becomes damaged or decayed, a dental crown can be the key to restoring both its appearance and function. Many people wonder if their tooth has enough healthy structure to support a crown. Understanding this is important for anyone considering restorative dentistry solutions.
At Fort Collins Dental Center, we want you to feel empowered and well-informed. Our goal is to save your natural tooth whenever possible, using crowns as a means to protect and preserve what remains. But for a crown to be effective, there needs to be an adequate amount of healthy tooth left for the restoration to grip securely. Let’s explore what’s needed for a successful crown, the options available if there isn’t enough tooth structure, and what you can expect during the process.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown—or “cap”—is a custom restoration placed over a tooth to strengthen it and restore its natural shape and function. Crowns are often made from porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two, with porcelain offering the most natural-looking results. Each crown is created to match the color and contour of your existing teeth, so your smile looks seamless.
The greatest benefit of a dental crown is its ability to preserve your natural tooth root while shielding the damaged enamel from further harm. With the root intact, your tooth maintains its structure in the jawbone, which helps protect your bite and overall oral health. Dental crowns in Fort Collins are also typically more affordable than replacing a tooth with a bridge or implant, making them a practical option for many patients.
How Much Tooth Is Needed for a Crown?
To securely place a crown, we generally need at least 2 millimeters of healthy tooth enamel—or about a quarter of the visible tooth—remaining above the gumline. This remaining tooth provides the foundation for the crown to be attached and held in position. Without enough structure, the crown may not fit well or stay in place.
If you have extensive decay, significant cracks, or if a large portion of your tooth has broken off, there may not be enough healthy enamel for a crown to grip. But don’t worry—having too little remaining tooth doesn’t automatically mean the tooth must be extracted. Depending on the situation, we can discuss additional treatment options to save your smile.
What If There’s Not Enough Tooth? Crown Lengthening and Alternatives
In cases where there isn’t enough tooth structure to support a crown, a procedure called crown lengthening may be helpful. Crown lengthening involves gently removing just enough gum tissue—sometimes bone too—to expose more of your natural tooth. This provides the necessary surface for a secure fit and makes it possible to restore a tooth that might otherwise be lost.
However, if the tooth is too damaged to restore with a crown, we can consider solutions like dental implants or bridges. A dental implant replaces both the root and the visible part of your tooth, offering unrivaled stability and longevity. A dental bridge, on the other hand, fills the gap using adjacent teeth for support and can also create a natural-looking smile. We’ll help you choose the solution that works best for your needs and lifestyle.
Your Path to a Healthier Smile
Our team always starts with a thorough evaluation to determine whether a crown is your best option. If your tooth is cracked, worn, or badly decayed but the root and inner pulp are healthy, a crown is likely a good solution. If not, we’ll walk you through all available alternatives and answer your questions every step of the way. Our mission is to make sure you feel comfortable, informed, and supported as we restore your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns are designed to be a long-lasting restoration, typically lasting 10 to 15 years with proper care. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental checkups, and avoiding hard objects like ice can help your crown last even longer.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
The process is designed to be as comfortable as possible. We use local anesthesia to thoroughly numb your tooth before beginning, so you should not feel pain during the placement. Some mild sensitivity may occur afterward, but it usually resolves quickly and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
At Fort Collins Dental Center, we proudly provide comprehensive and compassionate dental care for families in and around Fort Collins, Timnath, and Laporte. Every patient is welcomed with respect and personalized attention in our office. If you’d like to learn more or begin your smile restoration journey, please schedule an appointment with our friendly team today.