Protect and Restore a Damaged Tooth
A cracked, broken, worn or weakened tooth can quickly become more painful if it is not protected. If you have a damaged tooth, a large cavity, an old filling that is failing or discomfort when you bite down, a dental crown may help restore strength, comfort and 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 covers and protects the visible portion of a tooth, helping restore its shape, strength, appearance and function.
Worried about a damaged or painful tooth? Call 970-484-4890 today to schedule a dental crown evaluation.
Our doctors take a careful, conservative approach to restorative dentistry. With thousands of completed restorative cases, extensive continuing education and advanced general practice residency training, our team focuses on protecting your oral health while helping your crown look natural and feel comfortable.
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 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 because of shape, size or damage
- A tooth that needs to be restored after specialty care, such as root canal therapy
Dental crowns are 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 protect the tooth and distribute biting forces more evenly.
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
- Replace an older crown that no longer fits or feels right
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 in Fort Collins, Colorado.
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 appears to need specialty treatment before it can be restored, our team will explain what we see and refer you to the appropriate provider when needed.
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.
Replacing an Old or Failing Crown
An older dental crown may need to be replaced if it becomes loose, worn, cracked, uncomfortable or difficult to clean. You may also need a new crown if decay develops near the edge of the restoration or if your bite has changed over time.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will evaluate the crown, the tooth underneath it, your gum tissue and your bite before recommending the next step. In some cases, replacing an old crown can improve comfort, chewing function and appearance while helping protect the remaining tooth structure.
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.
What to Expect During the Dental Crown Process
The dental crown process 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. Digital impressions or other records may be 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.
Dental Crowns and Implant Restorations
Crowns may also be used to restore existing dental implants. A dental implant is the post or fixture in the jawbone, while the implant crown is the visible tooth replacement attached to that implant.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson restore existing dental implants with custom implant crowns and related restorative care. Our team does not surgically place dental implants. When implant placement is needed, that part of treatment is completed by a neighboring specialist for seamless care.
If your existing implant crown feels loose, worn, uncomfortable or no longer matches your smile, our team can evaluate the area and recommend the appropriate restorative next step.
Why Choose Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry for Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns require careful planning because they affect your bite, comfort, tooth strength and appearance. Patients deserve care from dentists who understand both the technical and personal sides of restoring a damaged tooth.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt has practiced dentistry since 1997 and has completed approximately 1,500 dental crowns, 10,000 restorative cases, 750 implant restorations, 100 dental bridges and 750 partial denture cases. He has also completed approximately 1,500 hours of continuing education, including about 1,000 hours in restorative dentistry and 500 hours in dentures, prosthodontics or full-mouth rehabilitation.
Dr. Raechel Nelson has practiced dentistry since 2009 and has completed approximately 1,500 dental crowns, 10,000 restorative cases, more than 500 implant restorations, more than 50 dental bridges and 300 partial denture cases. She has also completed approximately 1,000 hours of continuing education, including about 500 hours in restorative dentistry and 200 hours in dentures, prosthodontics or full-mouth rehabilitation.
That experience helps our team restore damaged, worn or weakened teeth with careful attention to comfort, function, appearance and long-term oral health.
Advanced Training and Conservative Restorative Care
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt completed a general practice residency through Northwestern University and Lakeside VA Hospital, where he gained experience in anesthesia, geriatrics, oncology, surgery and care for medically complex patients. He has also completed research in bonding techniques, implant surface structure and endodontic posts.
Dr. Raechel Nelson completed a general practice residency at the University of Utah Hospital and has experience in general dentistry, geriatric care, selected prosthodontic care and pediatric care. She has also completed cosmetic dentistry training through Ultradent.
Both doctors are members of the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, Larimer County Dental Society and Colorado Prosthodontic Society. Their training and restorative experience support a thoughtful, conservative approach to dental crown treatment.
A Low-Pressure Approach to Tooth Repair
Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry provides comprehensive, conservative care in a quiet, low-pressure environment. Our team presents treatment options clearly, from ideal treatment to more limited or palliative care when appropriate, so patients can make informed decisions about their health.
If a tooth can be restored with a filling, we will explain that. If a crown is the better option, we will explain why. Our goal is to help you understand your choices and protect your smile with the right level of care.
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
- Wear a nightguard if one is recommended
- 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. If root canal therapy is needed, our team can refer you to the appropriate provider and help coordinate the restorative care afterward.
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.
Can an old crown be replaced?
Yes. An older crown may need to be replaced if it is loose, worn, cracked, uncomfortable, difficult to clean or no longer fits your bite properly. Our team can evaluate the tooth and recommend the right next step.
Can a crown be used on a dental implant?
Yes. An implant crown is the visible tooth replacement attached to an existing dental implant. Our team restores existing dental implants with custom implant crowns, but we do not surgically place dental implants.
Schedule Dental Crowns in Fort Collins, Colorado
If you have a cracked tooth, broken tooth, large cavity, worn tooth or discomfort 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.