Teeth Grinding, Clenching & Cracked Tooth Syndrome Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Dental Crown and Why Might I Need One?
A dental crown is a protective cap that covers a damaged, cracked, or decayed tooth to restore its shape, function, and appearance. Your dentist may recommend a crown if your tooth is severely decayed, cracked, worn down, root canal treated, broken, or has a large filling that compromises strength.
Do All Teeth With Fillings Need Crowns?
No. Small or moderate-sized fillings usually do not require crowns. However, if a filling is large or the tooth has recurrent decay, cracks, or structural weakness, a crown may be necessary to prevent further damage.
Why Do Root Canal-Treated Teeth Need Crowns?
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy no longer receive nutrients and become brittle. They also lose nerve perception, increasing the risk of cracks. Crowning helps prevent breakage, extend lifespan, reduce reinfection, and avoid extractions or implants.
Can grinding my teeth cause me to need crowns?
Yes. Chronic grinding can wear down teeth, causing bite misalignment, TMJ issues, and headaches. Crowns restore tooth height and function.
How Does a Crown Prevent Tooth Loss?
Crowns protect weak teeth from cracking further or breaking. When a tooth lacks enough structure to hold a filling, a crown strengthens and preserves it.
Are Crowns Just Cosmetic?
No. Crowns improve appearance but primarily restore function and protect teeth from further damage.
Are Crowns Covered by Insurance?
Most PPO plans cover crowns at 50%. Coverage depends on your plan. Atlantis Dental will help verify your benefits and submit paperwork as needed.
Why Are Crowns Expensive?
Crown procedures require expertise, precision, and high-quality materials. Additional costs include lab fees and advanced dental tools. At Atlantis Dental, we charge a flat fee regardless of crown type.
Do You Offer Same-Day Crowns?
Not at this time. We prefer to work with trusted dental labs for the highest quality results.
How Long Does a Crown Last?
Crowns typically last 10–20 years, but with proper care, they can last a lifetime. Patients who maintain regular cleanings and good oral hygiene see the longest-lasting results.
What Materials Are Crowns Made Of?
Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Emax is a type of porcelain crown. The dentist selects the material based on aesthetics, strength, and how much tooth structure is left.
Does Getting a Crown Hurt?
No. You are completely numb during the procedure and leave with a temporary crown.
How Do I Care for a Temporary Crown?
Avoid hard or sticky foods. Floss by pulling the floss through rather than up. Brush well around the area. Your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate proper care.
What Is the Crown Procedure Like?
The procedure has two steps. First, the dentist numbs you, prepares the tooth, scans it, and places a temporary crown. The final crown is cemented 2 weeks later after verifying fit, bite, contacts, and aesthetics. You’ll get to approve it before it’s cemented.
Can a Crown Be Placed Without a Root Canal?
Yes. Not all teeth that need crowns need root canals. Some are just cracked or broken. Treating them early with a crown can prevent the need for a root canal later.
What if My Crown Falls Off?
Call us immediately and try to come in within 24 hours. Teeth shift quickly and delay can make the crown not fit. Re-cementing is a quick 15-20 minute procedure.
Can I Eat Normally With a Crown?
Yes! Once cemented, your crown should feel and function like your natural tooth.
What Is Teeth Grinding or Clenching?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching are unconscious habits, often during sleep, where patients apply excessive force to their teeth and jaws. Over time, this can wear down the enamel, crack teeth, and strain the jaw joints and muscles.
What Are the Symptoms of Grinding and Clenching?
- Tension headaches (temples, forehead, top of head, back of neck)
- Jaw pain or clicking (TMJ issues)
- Neck or shoulder tightness
- Chipped, flattened, or worn-down teeth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Tooth sensitivity with no clear cause
Can Stress Cause Teeth Grinding?
Yes. Stress is the #1 underlying factor. Common life events like divorce, moving, job changes, weddings, or caregiving often trigger grinding and clenching. Dr. Naqvi takes a full-body approach to treatment, including lifestyle modifications and stress relief guidance.
What Is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
This condition involves microscopic fractures in teeth caused by long-term grinding or clenching. These cracks can’t be seen on X-rays but often cause pain when chewing or after fillings. Without proper protection and restoration, the damage can progress to nerve involvement, requiring root canals or extractions.
What if My Teeth Are Already Worn Down? Do I Need to Extract Them All?
Not necessarily! Severely worn teeth can often be saved and rebuilt. Dr. Naqvi is extensively trained in Full Mouth Rehabilitation (FMR), which allows her to:
- Rebuild the original size, shape, and function of your teeth
- Design a new bite and smile that protects against future damage
- Help patients avoid full-mouth extractions whenever possible
As long as you have a good foundation of bone and healthy gums, most teeth can be restored. Even patients with long-term grinding damage often have strong bone structure because the clenching forces stimulate bone growth.
What Is Full Mouth Rehabilitation (FMR)?
FMR is a comprehensive approach to rebuilding worn-down, broken, or damaged teeth. It involves:
- Smile design to restore appearance and function
- Crowns or veneers to rebuild teeth to their original height
- Nightguards to prevent further grinding
- Implants if some teeth are beyond saving
Dr. Naqvi has advanced training in this technique and has helped many patients get their smile — and bite — back.
How Do I Know if I Need FMR?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have flattened or shortened teeth from grinding
- Have multiple cracked or broken teeth
- Experience daily headaches or jaw soreness
- Were told you might need dentures but want to explore other options
Dr. Naqvi can evaluate your case with digital scans and a bite analysis.
How Is Grinding Treated at Atlantis Dental?
Dr. Naqvi combines dental solutions with natural healing strategies:
- Custom nightguards (light, thin, retainer-style)
- Stress-reducing recommendations (e.g. walking, stretching, playing with pets, massages, herbal teas)
- Nutritional guidance (magnesium, potassium, calming teas)
- Gentle dental treatment to address cracked or damaged teeth early
What Kind of Nightguard Do You Make?
Instead of bulky, uncomfortable guards, Dr. Naqvi makes retainer-style nightguards for the upper or lower arch. These are:
- Thin, clear, and easy to wear
- Effective in protecting teeth from grinding
- Often ordered in multiple sets so patients always have a backup
What if I Have Pain After a Recent Filling or Crown?
If you feel a sharp pain when biting, it may be due to a hidden crack. These cases often need:
- A crown to stabilize the tooth
- A root canal if the nerve is already affected
- In some severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed and replaced with a dental implant
Can Grinding Be Cured?
Grinding is a long-term condition — more like managing a chronic disease than curing it. But with proper bite design, nightguard use, stress reduction, and regular care, it can be controlled, and further damage can be prevented.
Is Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Many procedures such as crowns, root canals, or even nightguards are partially covered depending on your dental plan. Our team will help check your benefits and offer flexible financing options when needed.