A damaged tooth can quickly turn into a bigger problem if it is not protected. If you have a cracked tooth, a broken tooth, a large cavity or a tooth that feels weak when you bite down, a dental crown may help relieve discomfort, protect the tooth and restore normal chewing.
At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson provide dental crowns in Fort Collins, Colorado for patients who need strong, natural-looking tooth repair. A crown is designed to cover and protect the visible portion of a tooth, helping restore its shape, strength, appearance and function.
Worried about a damaged tooth? Call 970-484-4890 today to schedule a visit.
When Is a Dental Crown Needed?
Dental crowns are often recommended when a tooth is too damaged or weakened to be restored with a dental filling. A crown can help protect the remaining tooth structure and reduce the risk of additional cracking, breaking or discomfort.
A dental crown may be recommended for:
- A cracked, fractured or broken tooth
- A tooth with a large cavity
- A tooth that has had a root canal treatment
- A worn-down or weakened tooth
- A tooth with an old, failing or oversized filling
- A tooth that feels sensitive or painful when chewing
- A tooth that needs support for a dental bridge
- A tooth that needs cosmetic improvement due to shape, size or damage
Dental crowns can be an important part of restorative dentistry because they help preserve teeth that might otherwise continue to weaken. The goal is to keep your smile comfortable, functional and as healthy as possible.
How Dental Crowns Help Protect Your Smile
Your teeth handle significant pressure every day from biting and chewing. When a tooth becomes damaged, cracked or structurally weak, that pressure can make the problem worse. A crown helps distribute biting forces more evenly and protects the tooth from further damage.
A dental crown can help:
- Restore chewing strength
- Protect a weakened tooth from breaking
- Improve the appearance of a damaged tooth
- Reduce discomfort caused by cracks or structural damage
- Support long-term oral health
- Help save a tooth that may otherwise be at risk
If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity or a broken tooth, it is best to have it evaluated before the damage becomes more serious.
Do not wait on a cracked or painful tooth. Call 970-484-4890 to schedule an appointment.
What to Expect During the Dental Crown Process
The dental crown process typically begins with a careful evaluation. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will examine your tooth, discuss your symptoms and determine whether a crown is the right option for your needs.
In many cases, receiving a dental crown involves preparing the tooth by removing damaged or weakened areas and shaping the tooth so the crown can fit securely. Impressions or scans are then taken so your crown can be designed to match your bite and blend with your smile.
A temporary crown may be placed while your final crown is being made. Once your custom crown is ready, you will return to our office so it can be checked for fit, comfort and appearance before being secured in place.
The result is a strong, natural-looking restoration that helps your tooth function comfortably again.
Natural-Looking Dental Crowns in Fort Collins, Colorado
A dental crown should do more than protect your tooth. It should also feel comfortable and look natural when you speak, smile and chew.
At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, our dentists consider your bite, tooth shape, tooth color and surrounding teeth when planning your restoration. This helps create a crown that supports your oral health while blending with your smile.
For patients who are concerned about how a crown will look, our team will explain your options and help you understand what to expect. Whether the crown is needed for a visible front tooth or a back tooth that handles heavy chewing, the goal is long-term strength, comfort and confidence.
Dental Crowns for Cracked or Broken Teeth
Cracked and broken teeth are common reasons patients need dental crowns. A tooth crack can be difficult to ignore, especially if it causes pain when biting, sensitivity to temperature or discomfort that comes and goes.
A crown may help stabilize the tooth and prevent the crack from spreading. If the tooth is infected or the inner nerve is affected, root canal therapy may be needed before the crown is placed.
If you have a broken tooth or sudden dental pain, our team may also recommend an emergency dental care visit so the problem can be addressed as soon as possible.
Why Choose Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry for Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns require careful planning because they affect your bite, comfort, tooth strength and appearance. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson bring advanced training and experience to restorative care, including general practice residency training that included treatment for patients with a wide range of dental and medical needs.
This background helps our team take a thoughtful approach to dental crowns, especially when a tooth is damaged, painful, heavily restored or part of a more complex treatment plan. We will explain your options clearly and help you make a confident decision about your care.
At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, we focus on restoring teeth in a way that supports long-term comfort, function and oral health.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
A dental crown can last for many years with good home care and regular dental visits. While the crown itself protects the tooth, the area where the crown meets the natural tooth still needs daily cleaning.
To help protect your crown:
- Brush and floss every day
- Keep up with preventive dental visits
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy or other hard objects
- Let us know if your bite feels uneven
- Schedule an exam if the crown feels loose, painful or sensitive
Routine care helps protect your crown, your surrounding teeth and your overall oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers the visible part of a tooth. It helps restore strength, shape, appearance and function when a tooth is damaged, cracked, worn or weakened.
Can a dental crown save a broken tooth?
In many cases, yes. A crown can help protect and stabilize a broken or cracked tooth. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will examine the tooth to determine whether a crown is the best option.
Do I need a crown or a filling?
A filling is often used for smaller areas of decay or damage. A crown may be recommended when the tooth has more extensive damage, a large filling, a crack or not enough healthy structure to support a filling.
Are dental crowns used after root canals?
Often, yes. A tooth that has had root canal therapy may need a crown to protect it and restore chewing strength, especially if it is a back tooth or has significant structural damage.
Will my dental crown look natural?
Dental crowns are designed to blend with your smile. Our dentists consider tooth color, shape, size and bite when planning your crown so it looks and feels natural.
How long do dental crowns last?
The lifespan of a dental crown depends on your oral hygiene, bite, habits and regular dental care. Brushing, flossing and routine dental checkups can help your crown last as long as possible.
Schedule Dental Crowns in Fort Collins, Colorado
If you have a cracked tooth, broken tooth, large cavity or tooth pain when chewing, a dental crown may help protect your tooth and restore your comfort. At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson provide personalized restorative care designed to support your long-term oral health.
Call 970-484-4890 today to schedule your dental crown appointment in Fort Collins, Colorado.