Do You Need Dental Crowns? Allen Dentists Explain the Signs
Does that nagging tooth pain mean you need something more than a simple filling? Dental crowns Allen patients receive at Cox Family Dentistry help save teeth that regular fixes just can’t handle anymore. Maybe you’ve got a tooth that’s cracked, worn down, or just doesn’t feel right when you bite into a sandwich—these are the kinds of problems that make Dr. Nicholas Cox and our team say, “Yeah, a crown might be your best bet here.” Crowns work like a protective helmet for your tooth. They cover the entire visible area, restoring your strength, function, and natural appearance. Our Allen, TX office handles a wide range of cases, from teeth that’ve had large cavities to those that have simply given up after years of grinding. Let’s walk through the signs that indicate it’s time for a crown for you. Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown Your tooth usually gives you hints when something’s not right. Some signs scream for attention, while others sneak up on you over time. Here’s what we see most often: Cracks or Fractures That Won’t Quit Bit down on something hard and heard a crack? Even small fractures can turn into big problems. Cracks allow bacteria to enter, and they tend to spread if the tooth is not protected. A crown holds everything together and stops the damage from getting worse. Tooth Sensitivity That Lingers If hot coffee or cold ice cream causes you discomfort, your tooth may have weakened enamel or exposed areas. Sometimes a large filling takes up so much space that the remaining tooth structure can’t handle everyday pressure. A crown provides that tooth with the support it needs. A Filling That’s Bigger Than the Tooth When a cavity gets large, the filling can actually outnumber the natural tooth material left behind. Dr. Nicholas Cox often explains it like this: you wouldn’t build a house on a shaky foundation, right? Same deal with teeth. A crown wraps around the whole thing, creating stability. Worn-Down Teeth From Grinding Grind your teeth at night? Over time, that constant pressure wears teeth down to little nubs. You might not even realize it’s happening until someone points it out or you notice your bite feels off. Dental crowns in Allen specialists can rebuild that lost tooth structure and protect what’s left. Discoloration That Bothers You Sometimes, teeth darken after trauma or appear different from the rest. If whitening won’t touch it, a crown—especially a porcelain one—can match your other teeth perfectly. You’d be surprised how much a natural-looking smile boosts confidence. After a Root Canal Treatment We refer root canals to specialists, but once that treatment’s done, the tooth often needs a crown. Why? Because root canal therapy removes the inner nerve and blood supply, leaving the tooth more brittle. A crown keeps it from breaking down the road. What Makes Dental Crowns So Effective? Crowns aren’t just a quick fix—they’re a long-term investment in your smile. Here’s what makes them work so well: We’ve seen patients come in nervous about getting a crown and leave amazed at how normal everything feels. That’s the goal: function and comfort you don’t have to think about. The Crown Process at Cox Family Dentistry Getting a crown isn’t as complicated as you might think. We break it down into manageable steps, and we’re big on explaining what’s happening as we go. Step 1: Consultation and Assessment First, Dr. Nicholas Cox examines your tooth and takes X-rays to assess what’s happening below the surface. He’ll talk through your options and answer any questions. No pressure, just honest info about what your tooth needs. Step 2: Tooth Preparation If a crown’s the right call, we gently reshape your tooth so the crown fits snugly. You’ll get local anesthesia, so you won’t feel discomfort during this part. We take an impression of your tooth—the old-school kind, with putty material—so the lab can craft a crown that matches your bite and neighboring teeth. Step 3: Temporary Crown While your permanent crown gets made at the lab, you’ll wear a temporary one. It protects your tooth and lets you eat and talk normally. Just avoid super sticky or hard foods for now. Step 4: Final Fitting Once your custom crown arrives—typically a couple of weeks later—you return for the final fitting. Dr. Cox checks the fit, makes any tiny adjustments, and cements it in place. You’ll leave with a tooth that feels solid and looks great. The entire experience at our Allen, TX office includes small comforts that make a big difference. We have warm blankets available if you get chilly, screens where you can watch YouTube or other content during your treatment, and headphones if you’d like to tune out the dental sounds. Our team remembers your name and actually cares how you’re doing. Learn more about our approach on our meet our team page. Caring for Your New Crown Once your crown’s in, taking care of it is pretty straightforward. Brush twice a day and floss around it just as you would your other teeth. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy on that side for the first few days while you adjust. If you grind your teeth at night, consider consulting us about a night guard—it’ll protect your crown and other teeth from excessive wear. Regular checkups let us keep an eye on things. We’ll look for signs of wear, check that the fit’s still tight, and make sure your gums stay healthy around the crown. Most people forget they even have a crown after a few weeks because it blends in so well. Why Choose Cox Family Dentistry for Dental Crowns in Allen? Choosing a dentist for a significant procedure like a crown is important. Our practice combines experience with a neighborhood feel. Dr. Cox’s careful approach ensures you receive treatment tailored to your specific situation, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. His background in health and wellness dentistry is evident in his approach to the whole picture—not just fixing one
