Dental Crowns in Lincolnwood, IL

When we were younger, many of us wrapped our textbooks in brown paper bags before the school year took off. The goal was to protect something we needed every day, especially when the corners were already soft or the cover showed early signs of wear. That simple layer kept the book intact so it could handle the constant opening, closing, and shuffling around in backpacks. Dental crowns serve a similar purpose, though with far more strength and precision. They cover and reinforce a tooth that has started to weaken, giving it the protection it needs to keep working reliably.

Understanding Dental Crowns

A dental crown becomes necessary when a tooth cannot remain functional or protected with simpler treatments. If decay, trauma, or structural compromise removes a significant portion of the tooth, a filling will not provide lasting support. We use a crown to rebuild the full shape of the tooth and protect it under biting pressure. Without full coverage, the tooth would remain vulnerable to fracture or further breakdown.

You may need a crown after we remove extensive decay, treat a large fracture, or complete a root canal. In each case, the remaining structure lacks the stability to function independently. A crown preserves the tooth and allows it to perform as intended.

Do I Need Dental Crowns?

When a Tooth Is Too Damaged To Repair With a Filling

A filling can only work when enough healthy structure remains to hold it in place. If a large portion of the tooth has been lost to decay, fracture, or wear, the material won’t stay secure under pressure. A crown replaces the lost anatomy and protects the remaining structure.

We recommend a crown when the damage or decay extends beyond what a filling can safely support. After removing compromised tissue, we evaluate whether the remaining tooth can withstand daily use. If not, full coverage is required to prevent failure.

When a Tooth Is Too Weak To Function on Its Own

If you have a cracked tooth, thin enamel, or a large filling, that tooth may not be strong enough to handle normal chewing. Even if it hasn’t broken yet, there’s a real risk it could split under pressure.

We place a crown to protect and stabilize teeth like this. If we see signs of grinding damage, fractures, or thin walls, a crown can help distribute biting forces evenly. This added protection reduces the risk of cracks and helps prevent more serious issues later.

When a Tooth Is Being Replaced or Reshaped

Crowns also help us restore or improve a tooth’s appearance. If you are missing a tooth, we can attach a crown to a dental implant or use it to support a dental bridge. That way, we can replace the missing tooth with a restoration that looks and functions naturally.

In some cases, we place crowns to correct size, shape, or discoloration when other cosmetic treatments, like bonding or veneers, aren’t enough. Whether we are restoring an implant, anchoring a bridge, or reshaping a damaged tooth, our goal is to improve both the appearance and function of your smile.

When a Crown No Longer Fits or Protects the Tooth

Over time, crowns can loosen, wear, or develop gaps at the margins. Gum recession, shifting teeth, or breakdown of materials may reduce the effectiveness of the original restoration. A compromised crown allows bacteria to enter and may lead to decay or tissue irritation.

We replace crowns that no longer protect the tooth or fit properly. If the restoration feels unstable, causes discomfort, or shows visible deterioration, a new crown restores the strength and support your tooth needs to function comfortably again.

Comparing Traditional Dental Crowns and Implant Crowns

The Traditional Crown Process

When a tooth is damaged but structurally sound, Dr. Hatland may recommend a traditional crown rather than extraction. Crowns allow you to keep your natural tooth while restoring its strength and function. After examining the area, often with the help of X-rays, Dr. Hatland determines whether the tooth is a good candidate for restoration.

If necessary, he performs treatments like a root canal first to remove infection or decay and prepare the tooth for a crown.

Once the tooth is ready, Dr. Hatland numbs the area with local anesthesia. He then removes a small amount of enamel along with any damaged or decayed material. If the tooth has been worn down or fractured, he rebuilds its shape using a filling material. This ensures the tooth has a solid, properly contoured foundation to support the crown.

Next, he captures an impression of the area to ensure the new crown fits comfortably and looks natural. This information is sent to a dental lab, where a custom crown is made to match the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth. While the permanent crown is being made, Dr. Hatland places a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth and keep your bite aligned.

The Implant Crown Process

When a tooth is missing or needs to be removed, Dr. Hatland may recommend restoring the area with a dental implant and crown. This process begins with a full evaluation of your oral health. Dr. Hatland reviews X-rays, checks the condition of your bone and gums, and creates a personalized treatment plan. He also determines whether any additional procedures, such as extractions or bone grafting, are needed before placing the implant.

If the tooth cannot be saved, Dr. Hatland will extract it. The area is then given time to heal. Healing time depends on factors like your overall health and whether bone grafting is needed to prepare the site.

Dr. Hatland is a Diplomate of the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants and uses mini implants as an efficient way to replace a missing tooth. A mini implant is a slim, one-piece titanium post that replaces the tooth root. Its narrow size fits comfortably in areas with limited bone, which means many people can move forward without grafting.

Once placed, the post provides a stable base for the crown that will sit above the gumline. Because the implant requires a minimally invasive technique, healing is often more straightforward while still offering dependable support for the new tooth.

Secure Your Smile With a Dental Crown

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but they need the right support to do so. We can save a weakened tooth or replace one that has been lost. The right crown makes all the difference. Dr. Hatland provides solutions that are not only functional but thoughtfully designed to match your needs and protect your long-term oral health. Contact us today to book your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions