Dental crowns are a common procedure used to restore the functionality and aesthetics of damaged or decayed teeth. The crowns protect the remaining tooth structure, improve appearance, strengthen weakened teeth, and prevent further tooth decay. However, not everybody is a candidate for dental crowns.
Read on to learn about the qualifications you need to meet to receive a dental crown.
What Determines if You Need a Crown?
If you have a damaged tooth, it doesn’t mean you can get a crown right away. Here are circumstances that can tell who can get dental crowns:
- A cavity is too large for a filling.
- You have weak teeth caused by excessive wear and tear or decay
- You need a dental implant procedure
- Your tooth needs extra structural support after a root canal
- To improve the shape of a misshapen tooth
- To restore cracked or fractured teeth
- You have severely discoloured teeth
- You have a dental bridge that needs support
Note that whatever concern you have among the situations listed above, the affected tooth should have enough structure to support a crown. It’s because your dentist will need to reduce your tooth enamel for the crown to fit properly. Otherwise, the crown won’t stay in place, and tooth extraction may be the only way to address the problem.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Dental Crown?
Aside from having enough tooth structure, the criteria below determine who can get dental crowns:
- You don’t smoke or can avoid smoking
Smoking can cause infection, gum disease, and other dental issues. It can affect the tooth covered by the crown, as well as to the surrounding
healthy teeth. If you don’t quit or avoid smoking, the lifespan of your crown may be shortened. - You are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene
If you are not responsible enough to brush and floss your teeth daily, you may not be a good candidate for dental crowns. It’s because the crown can trap food particles and plaque, which can cause gum disease if not removed. - You are willing to make dietary adjustments
Eating too many sugary foods, acidic drinks, and hard and chewy foods can make the crown susceptible to damage. As such, avoiding these food items is essential for the longevity of dental crowns. - You are not allergic to dental materials
While it’s rare, some dental patients may be allergic to the materials used for crowns, such as metal. Remember to consult your dentist and have an allergy test before getting a dental crown. - You don’t grind or clench your teeth at night
Even if you use high-quality dental crowns, you can still cause damage to them if you grind or clench your teeth. This happens when the bonding material is stressed out due to the pressure applied. Investing in a mouth guard is recommended if you suffer from bruxism to protect your crowns from damage.
Can Patients of All Ages Have Dental Crowns?
In general, a patient should be at least 17 years old to be a suitable candidate for this treatment because the gum and bone tissues need to be mature enough to support the dental crowns. However, younger children can have this procedure if they have severe decay or tooth damage. In such cases, your dentist will examine your child’s teeth and discuss available options with you before recommending the proper course of treatment.
Also, they will choose the suitable material for the crown based on the patient’s age and dental condition. For example, if your child is still growing, a stainless steel crown will be chosen instead of porcelain or resin because it can accommodate their tooth development.
Can All Types of Teeth Be Crowned?
All types of teeth can be crowned as long as their tooth roots are healthy and have enough structure to support the treatment. The only exception is unerupted or impacted teeth. Because such teeth did not come out completely and are still stuck in the jawbone, crowning them may be impossible.
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment Before Getting a Crown?
Not all patients who can get dental crowns need root canal therapy before getting crowns. However, it may be recommended if the tooth has been infected or has lost its vitality. A root canal is a procedure that involves removing the damaged pulp inside the tooth, as well as any bacteria or debris. This preserves your tooth and allows your crown to be placed over a clean and healthy tooth. Getting crowns after having a root canal can protect your teeth from weakening over time due to normal wear and tear.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns are a great way to restore the appearance and function of your teeth. They can address various dental issues to help you achieve a more beautiful smile. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental crowns.
If you want to know if you are eligible, call us now to book an initial consultation. We will assess your oral health during your appointment, including your teeth, jaw, and gums. We will discuss every dental procedure we carry out and answer any questions you may have. We will also advise on proper care of the crowns so they last longer.
Piara Waters Dental is a modern dental clinic offering crown treatments. We are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to help us provide quality dental care to patients. Additionally, we have a team of dentists with years of experience performing dental crown procedures. They will create a personalised treatment plan that suits your condition and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is possible for dental crowns to cause temporary sensitivity. However, this should subside after a few days of wearing the crown. You should contact your dentist for further evaluation and advice if sensitivity persists.
Both dental treatments use a variety of materials, but dental crowns are more durable than veneers because they double the thickness of the latter. In addition, crowns have better protection against future damage and decay because they cover the entire tooth.
Depending on the condition of your teeth, there may be other treatment options if you can’t receive crowns. For example, dental fillings can restore decayed teeth, while veneers can improve the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth. Talk to your dentist about your concerns, and they will recommend the right treatment.
It usually takes two to three dental appointments for your dentist to complete the entire process of traditional crowns. Each visit may take one hour or more, depending on the complexity of your case. While you wait for your final crown to be made, your dentist will put a temporary one in place to protect the prepared tooth. On the other hand, same-day crowns can be completed in one dental visit. The entire process may take 2 to 4 hours, from preparing your tooth to making your crown and its placement.