Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Crowns and Bridges

How can we help you?

We understand that dentistry can sometimes seem complex, so we always welcome questions from our patients. Our dental team is committed to patient education and ensuring you have all the information needed to make confident decisions about your family's oral care. On this page, you'll find some of the questions our patients ask most frequently.

Please don't hesitate to call Southeast Family Dental at (317) 359-8000 if you don't find the answers you need—we're here to help!

Crowns and Bridges

An illustration of a dental crown going onto a toothWith proper care and maintenance, a dental crown can last 10–15 years or longer. However, the actual lifespan depends on several factors, including the crown material used, its location in the mouth, oral hygiene habits, and natural bite forces. Porcelain crowns offer excellent durability while providing the most natural appearance, making them a popular choice for most patients.

Caring for Your Crown

Maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend regular dental checkups to ensure your crown provides lasting protection. During these visits, our dentists evaluate your crown's condition, checking for signs of wear or potential issues that could affect its longevity. We'll also assess your bite alignment to ensure your crown isn't experiencing excessive pressure that could lead to premature wear.

Professional Monitoring and Care

While dental crowns are designed to be durable, they may eventually need replacement. At Southeast Family Dental, we carefully monitor your restoration at each checkup, helping you maintain its function and appearance for as long as possible.

Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Contact Southeast Family Dental at (317) 359-8000 to learn more about dental crowns and their care. We proudly serve patients throughout Southeast Indianapolis, including Beech Grove, Franklin Township, Warren Township, and surrounding areas.

Not all tooth damage is created equal. While fillings work well for small cavities, some situations call for something stronger, like a dental crown. So how do you know which one you need? Here are a few telltale signs that a crown might be the better choice.

1. Large Areas of Decay

If more than half of your tooth is damaged or decayed, a filling may not provide enough support. A crown covers the entire tooth, restoring strength and stability.

2. Cracked or Broken Tooth

Cracks that go beyond the surface or a broken cusp (corner of the tooth) often require a crown to hold everything together and protect the tooth from further damage.

3. After a Root Canal

Root canal-treated teeth are more brittle and prone to breaking. A crown helps protect the tooth and restore full function.

4. Worn-Down Teeth

Teeth worn down from grinding (bruxism) or erosion often benefit from crowns to restore their shape and prevent sensitivity or bite issues.

Call Us for Dental Crowns in Indianapolis, IN

Your Indianapolis dentist can evaluate the damage and recommend the best option to keep your smile strong and functional for the long haul. Call Southeast Family Dental today at (317) 359-8000 to book your consultation.

Dental crowns are commonly used restorations that cover and protect a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. They make it possible to keep your natural tooth intact, and they look and feel completely natural.

But when bacteria or food get trapped in the tiny gap between your natural tooth and your crown, under your crown, or inside a crack in your crown, you might notice that you have bad breath.

Can Dental Crowns Cause Bad Breath?

Yes, a dental crown can cause bad breath for a variety of reasons, such as:

  • Poor oral hygiene — If you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria could accumulate around your crown. This could cause bad breath.
  • Underlying decay — If the tooth under your crown decays, it could cause an odor.
  • Loose fit — If your crown is loose, it could trap food and bacteria, leading to bad breath.
  • Damage — If your crown is cracked or broken, bacteria could hide in the cracks, causing bad breath.

Ready to Schedule an Appointment?

If you live in Indianapolis, Beech Grove, Franklin Township, Warren Township, or one of the surrounding communities, we’d love to welcome you to our comfortable dental office! We’re accepting new patients, so call us for all your oral health needs.

You can reach us at (317) 359-8000.

Not finding what you need?