What Happens if I Don’t Get a Crown For My Damaged Tooth?

A damaged tooth may not seem like an urgent problem, especially if it doesn’t cause pain. But if your dentist recommends a crown, not getting it may lead to more dental problems. 

From pain to infections to possible tooth loss, skipping the crown for your damaged tooth may turn minor dental work into a dental emergency.

Our skilled and compassionate team at Solay Dental in Oldsmar, New Port Richey, and Brandon, Florida, specializes in restorative dentistry, using crowns to restore and protect damaged teeth. 

Here, we want to explain what might happen if you don’t get a crown for your damaged tooth and why dental care now may prevent serious and costly problems in the future.

Tooth pain and sensitivity

Your damaged tooth may not bother you now, but that may not last long. A cracked tooth is more sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks, causing discomfort when eating. 

Over time, the damage may affect the nerve in the tooth, causing severe tooth pain that lasts all day and makes it hard to sleep. 

A crown covers the damaged tooth, protecting it from elements that may trigger discomfort, preventing pain and any unfortunate consequences that may affect daily life.

Damage gets worse

Without treatment, your damaged tooth may worsen. The crack may deepen or the tooth may break, creating additional oral health problems, not to mention more discomfort. 

A crown covers the tooth, serving as a barrier that reduces the risk of further damage. It also allows you to continue to use the affected tooth without fear of chipping or breaking.

Increased risk of cavities and infections

A damaged tooth may allow the germs in your mouth to enter parts of the tooth you can’t access with a toothbrush. The bacteria grow and cause decay, creating a deep cavity that only a root canal can fix. 

The bacteria may also cause an infection or abscess that requires antibiotics or drainage and dental surgery. 

We clean and shape the damaged tooth before placing the crown, clearing out the infection and damage. Crowns are custom-made to fit your tooth, preventing bacteria from gaining access.

Tooth gets pulled

The aim of most of our services is to help you keep your teeth. Your natural teeth are strong, helping you eat and maintain jawbone structure. The last thing we want to do is pull a tooth.

But, if you don’t get a crown for your damaged tooth and it worsens to the point we can’t save it, then we may need to pull the tooth. You may then need a bridge or dental implant to fill in the gap.

Changes in bite

To avoid pain when biting down on the damaged tooth, you may favor one side of your mouth when eating. Chewing on the same side may cause uneven wear-and-tear and place additional strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). 

Not getting a crown for your damaged tooth may lead to more serious dental problems that require more extensive and expensive dental work. If you have a damaged tooth, we can help you get the treatment you need. We offer many services and always review our treatment plan before we do anything. 

Call us today at 727-516-9900 or use the online booking button to schedule a consultation.