Cracked or Damaged Tooth? Dr. Dmitriy Aminov Explains When You May Need a Dental Crown

October 26, 2026 | By Olive Family Dentistry | Read Time : 5 min

That chipped tooth is annoying, and now you're searching for who needs a dental crown. Olive Family Dentistry hears this daily at the desk. Sometimes a crown fixes it. Sometimes it doesn't.

At Olive Family Dentistry, Dr. Edvin Agadzhanov answers this question most weeks. Some teeth need crowns. Others need a filling or a night guard. Let's break down which is which, honestly.

Who Needs a Dental Crown? The Real Shortlist

Crowns are done on teeth not for aesthetic but structural reasons. Who then requires a dental crown? Mostly, the answer would be someone whose tooth is fractured, overfilled, or has been rebuilt after undergoing a root canal procedure.

• There is a crack that goes below the gumline.
• Not enough natural tooth material is available to support the filling.
• The tooth has undergone a root canal treatment and requires protection from fractures.
• There is an implant in place, and it requires a crown for normal function.
• There is excessive tooth wear or erosion that affects its bite pattern.
• It has severe discoloration and deformity that can only be addressed through crowns.

The Dental Crown Procedure, Start to Finish

Most crowns take two visits, about two to three weeks apart. Visit one is the prep and impression. Visit two is fitting and cementing, usually under an hour.

You get numbed, the tooth gets reshaped, and a digital scan goes to the lab. A temporary crown covers it in the meantime. Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal.

Materials change the math. Metal crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal ones are affordable and durable, but noticeable. Zirconia crowns are durable and tooth-colored. The most aesthetic all-ceramic porcelain is the one that chips on the molars.

Average Life Expectancy of a Crown and When a Crack is a Problem for It

The life expectancy of a crown lies between five and 15 years; some crowns last 30 years if maintained properly. Excessive teeth grinding and lack of dental hygiene will definitely decrease this period of time. An incorrect bite will do the same.

• Visible cracks or chips in the porcelain.
• Dark line at the junction between the crown and gums; it may indicate decaying.
• Painful sensations, inflammation, or foul smell upon biting.
• Loose crown, changes in its position, or difficulty chewing food.
• Persistent cold sensitivity after the placement of the crown.
• Bleeding gums around the crowned tooth while flossing.
• Fever or swollen face area; see your dentist immediately.

Questions to Ask Before You Book a Dental Crown in Burbank

Raise the following concerns before scheduling an appointment. An ideal dentist responds to your queries candidly and provides a written estimate. You are always entitled to a second opinion in case the responses are given in haste. Nothing is too silly to ask.

• What material are you using, and why this particular material for this particular tooth?
• Is a filling, inlay, onlay, or veneer a reasonable option?
• What will be the total cost, including the laboratory cost and the buildup?
• How long should this crown serve me?
• What redo or warranty policy do you offer?
• Is it covered by insurance, and what will I owe today?

Meet the Dentists at Olive Family Dentistry

Dr. Edvin Agadzhanov graduated from UCLA in 2008 and has practiced since 2010, focusing on restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. Dr. Dmitriy Aminov trained at Temple University and did an esthetic dentistry residency.

• Two experienced dentists under one roof, so you see the same faces.
• Implants, bridges, root canals, Invisalign, veneers, and dentures too.
• Emergency appointments for cracked, broken, or painful teeth.
• IV sedation available for patients who want it.
• Most PPO insurance plans accepted, plus flexible payment options.
• Free, easy parking right at the building.

Here’s what our patients say:

“The best!!! So helpful and truly cares for their patients! Thank you for always making me feel seen and taking great care of my teeth:).”

Get a Consultation With Olive Family Dentistry

A crown is a commitment. It's permanent, it costs money, and it needs care. When a tooth is cracked or rebuilt after a root canal, a crown often means keeping it around.

At Olive Family Dentistry, we'll show you the X-rays, explain what cracked tooth treatment involves, and quote the full price first. Get a consultation and hire the best dentist in town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a dental crown most often?

At Olive Family Dentistry, Dr. Edvin Agadzhanov says cracked, heavily filled, and root-canaled teeth top the list. Small cavities usually don't qualify. Call (818) 846-2266 for an exam and an honest answer. Bring your insurance card and any old X-rays.

How long does a dental crown last?

The lifespan ranges from five to 15 years, but some crowns survive more than 30 years. The kind of material used, the pressure in biting, grinding teeth, and personal care make a difference. Flossing the teeth and visiting your dentist twice annually helps.

Is a procedure for a crown painful?

It is not painful since the process will involve using local anesthesia during your visit. Patients find temporary crowns bulky, but most complain of sensitivity rather than pain. This lasts for about two weeks.

Does cracked tooth treatment always mean a crown?

Not always. Minor cracks get bonding or a filling. A crack reaching the pulp may need a root canal, then a crown. A vertical crack below the gumline often means extraction. Bite pressure and grinding usually start the whole crack.

Why do crown prices differ so much?

Material, lab quality, and chair time drive the number. Zirconia and all-ceramic crowns cost more than metal. Some offices quote the crown only and bill the buildup or X-rays separately. Ask for the full itemized total in writing. Cheap can mean a repeat visit later.