You know that feeling. You’re eating, and suddenly you bite down, and something feels wrong. Maybe it’s a sharp twinge of pain. Or maybe your tongue keeps catching on a rough edge that wasn’t there before.
Whatever the sign, your tooth is trying to tell you something. If you live in the Lansing area, you’ve got a team of experts ready to help you figure out what to do next.
A dental crown might sound like a big deal. Honestly, it’s a pretty important procedure, but the good news is that getting a crown in Lansing is one of the best ways to save a tooth that would otherwise be lost. Think of it as a protective helmet for your tooth. It covers the whole tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance.
At Cavanaugh Dental, we’ve been helping folks in Lansing protect their smiles for over 30 years. Dr. Daniel Derksen, Dr. John McRee, and Dr. Sheridan Kelley use their combined expertise to create natural-looking crowns that blend seamlessly with your smile. Whether you need a quick fix or a more complex restoration, we’re here to help.
So, how do you know if you need a crown? Here are six signs that you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Your Tooth is Sensitive to Temperature or Pressure
Does a sip of hot coffee make you wince? Does biting into something cold, like ice cream, send a jolt through your jaw? That kind of sensitivity is a major red flag.
When a tooth is cracked, worn down, or has a deep cavity, the inner layers become exposed. These layers are full of tiny nerve endings. When heat, cold, or pressure hits them, they react. If you’re experiencing this kind of pain, it’s a sign that the tooth’s structure is compromised. A crown can cover and protect the tooth, ending that sharp pain.
2. You Have a Toothache or Throbbing Pain
This one is harder to ignore. A constant ache or a throb that won’t go away usually means the nerve inside your tooth is inflamed or infected. This can happen for a few reasons: a deep cavity, a crack that’s reached the nerve, or trauma to the tooth.
If the pain persists, see your dentist in Lansing. They can take an X-ray to see what’s going on beneath the surface. If you need a root canal, a crown is almost always placed afterward to protect the tooth from breaking.
3. You See a Visible Crack, Chip, or Large Dark Spot
Sometimes, the problem is pretty obvious. If you see a crack running down your tooth, a chip that’s missing a piece, or a large dark spot that wasn’t there before, you’ve probably found the source of your troubles.
A small chip can often be fixed with bonding, a tooth-colored resin. But if the damage is extensive or the tooth is significantly cracked, a crown is the better option. A crown holds the tooth together, sealing it off to prevent further damage and infection. A patient review for Cavanaugh Dental noted, “When I needed a crown made, he put in a temporary in, and when it came off because of my partial connected to it, they put it back in with understanding it wasn’t my fault… That is why I like this place. They want to make sure your teeth look like normal teeth in your mouth, no matter what.
4. You Have a Tooth That Feels Rough or Broken to Your Tongue
Ever run your tongue over a tooth and feel a sharp edge? Or maybe it feels like a piece is missing. Our tongues are really sensitive, and they can pick up on tiny changes in our teeth that our eyes might miss.
If you feel something jagged or a rough patch, it could mean a filling has worn down, or the tooth itself has fractured. If you ignore it, it will only get worse. A crown smooths things out and protects the tooth from breaking further.
5. You Have a Large, Old Filling That Needs Replacing
If you have a large silver filling that’s been there for years, it’s probably on its last legs. Over time, fillings expand and contract with temperature changes, which can cause the tooth to crack around the edges. Bacteria can get into those tiny cracks and cause new decay.
When a filling is too big, it actually weakens the tooth. It can no longer support the remaining natural tooth structure. In these cases, a filling won’t cut it anymore. A crown is the only way to keep the tooth strong and safe from fractures.
6. You’re Unhappy with the Appearance of a Tooth
Crowns aren’t just for fixing broken teeth. They can also improve a tooth’s appearance. If you have a tooth that’s severely discolored, misshapen, or has a dark spot that whitening can’t fix, a crown can be a great solution.
Our team at Cavanaugh Dental uses high-quality materials, so your crown will look natural and blend right in with the rest of your smile. It’s a way to regain confidence without anything invasive.
Why Choose Cavanaugh Dental for Your Crown in Lansing?
You’ve got options when it comes to dental care in Lansing. So, why choose us?
- Expertise You Can Trust: Our team includes Dr. Daniel Derksen, a “superstar graduate from the University of Michigan Dental School”. He provides surgical, implant, and orthodontic services at Cavanaugh Dental, so you get top-tier care without being referred out.
- Comfortable, Judgement-Free Care: A patient review says they were “very nervous at the dentist,” and Sharon was “awesome!” We make it a priority to help you feel at ease from the moment you walk in.
- High-Quality Results: We use high-quality materials to create crowns that look great and last. A patient noted, “I have now completed all my visits to get my dentures. I am so happy. They did an awesome job. They look real and fit well. Yep, couldn’t ask for more.”
Ready to Protect Your Smile? Schedule Your Appointment Today.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait. The longer you put it off, the more extensive (and expensive) the problem can become. Cavanaugh Dental is conveniently located at 900 E Cavanaugh Rd, Lansing, MI. We’re here to help you smile with confidence again.
Call us today at (517) 760-6845 or request an appointment online. Let’s work together to get your smile back on track.