If you're experiencing pain when biting, sensitivity, or a tooth that feels cracked or weak, you may need more than just a filling.
Many patients tell us:
- "It hurts when I chew."
- "Food keeps getting stuck between my teeth."
- "My tooth feels like it might break."
- "I don't want to lose this tooth."
At Witkowski Dental in Mokena, IL, dental crowns are used to restore strength, protect compromised teeth, and eliminate discomfort — while preserving your natural smile.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that fully covers a damaged or weakened tooth.
Crowns are designed to:
- Protect cracked teeth
- Restore fractured teeth
- Replace large failing fillings
- Strengthen root canal–treated teeth
- Improve bite alignment
- Restore proper contact between teeth
A crown acts like a protective helmet, reinforcing the remaining tooth structure.
When Is a Crown Necessary?
You may need a dental crown if you have:
- Cracked tooth syndrome
- A tooth that hurts when biting
- Large fillings that are breaking down
- Recurrent decay under old restorations
- A fractured tooth
- Open contact causing chronic food impaction
Left untreated, cracked teeth can worsen and potentially require root canal treatment or extraction.
What Is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
Cracked tooth syndrome occurs when a fracture develops in a tooth that may not be immediately visible on X-rays.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp pain when biting
- Sensitivity when releasing pressure
- Intermittent discomfort
- Difficulty chewing on one side
Early intervention with a crown stabilizes the crack and prevents further propagation.
The Dental Crown Process at Witkowski Dental
1. Diagnosis & Evaluation
We perform:
- Clinical examination
- Digital radiographs
- Bite evaluation
- Assessment of surrounding gum health
If a crack or structural weakness is identified, we discuss treatment options and timing.
2. Tooth Preparation
The damaged portion of the tooth is carefully reshaped to allow room for the crown.
Digital scans are taken to ensure a precise, custom fit.
3. Custom Crown Fabrication
Your crown is fabricated to match:
- Natural tooth shade
- Bite alignment
- Adjacent tooth contact
- Functional requirements
4. Final Placement
The crown is cemented securely, restoring:
- Structural integrity
- Proper occlusion
- Tight interproximal contact
- Comfortable chewing function
The result is a stable, protected tooth.
Dental Crown Case Study: Restoration of Tooth #18 with Custom Heart “Tooth Tattoo” Crown
A 38-year-old female presented with intermittent sharp pain when chewing on the lower left side and persistent food impaction between teeth #18 and #19.
Chief Complaint
She reported:
- Sharp discomfort when biting
- Frequent food trapping between teeth
- Gum irritation in the lower left posterior region
The symptoms had become increasingly bothersome and were affecting her ability to chew comfortably.
Clinical Findings
Examination and radiographs revealed:
- Signs consistent with cracked tooth syndrome on tooth #18
- An open interproximal contact between teeth #18 and #19
- Chronic food impaction contributing to localized gingival inflammation
The crack compromised the structural integrity of tooth #18, placing it at high risk for further fracture and possible pulpal involvement if left untreated.
The open contact was also contributing to ongoing irritation and periodontal stress.
Diagnosis
- Cracked tooth syndrome on tooth #18
- Open contact between #18 and #19 causing recurrent food impaction
Treatment Plan
A full-coverage crown was recommended to:
- Stabilize the crack
- Protect the remaining tooth structure
- Restore proper occlusion
- Re-establish tight proximal contact
- Eliminate chronic food impaction
Treatment Rendered
Tooth #18 was prepared for a full-coverage crown.
A custom crown was fabricated and placed, restoring:
- Structural strength
- Functional bite alignment
- Proper interproximal contact
In addition to functional rehabilitation, a unique aesthetic feature was incorporated.
Dr. Emili Hester designed and cemented a custom heart "tooth tattoo" embedded within the crown — creating a personalized and artistic detail while maintaining full clinical integrity.
This artistic element transformed a necessary restorative procedure into a meaningful, memorable experience for the patient.
Outcome
Post-operative evaluation confirmed:
- Complete resolution of biting pain
- Elimination of food impaction
- Healthy, cleansable contact between teeth
- Stabilization of the cracked tooth
The patient was highly satisfied with both the functional result and the personalized heart design.
Why This Case Matters
This case demonstrates that restorative dentistry is not just about fixing damage — it's about restoring comfort, protecting long-term health, and delivering an exceptional patient experience.
Function, durability, and personalization can coexist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Why Patients in Mokena Choose Witkowski Dental for Crowns
At Witkowski Dental, we focus on:
- Early diagnosis of cracks
- Conservative preservation of tooth structure
- Precision digital impressions
- Proper bite design
- Long-term durability
- Exceptional patient experience
Our goal is to protect your tooth — not just repair it.