01 Apr Why We Always Try to Save a Tooth Before Recommending a Crown
At Prescott Dentistry, we believe placing a crown should be a last resort, not the first option.
Placing a crown usually means removing the majority of the tooth structure, not just the damaged portion. In fact, placing a crown doesn’t always mean protecting a tooth. Removing healthy tooth material actually increases the likelihood of future complications. That’s a cycle we’re committed to breaking.
So, before any conversations about crowns happen in our office, we start by asking: can the tooth be saved without a crown? Most of the time, it can.
When Are Crowns Necessary?
Crowns can be very effective when it comes to saving a damaged tooth. Placing a crown makes sense when a tooth has lost so much of its structural integrity that it can no longer support a filling. When a tooth is severely fractured or has extensive decay, sometimes a crown is the only way to save it.
What We Try First
Before recommending a crown, we consider other options like bonding, inlays, or onlays. Our goal is to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. We use biomimetic dental materials that closely mimic real tooth structure and fully restore strength and function.
Bonded Restorations
Using layered composite materials, we can often restore a damaged or cracked tooth to full function without removing the healthy structure a crown would require. The restoration reduces stress on the teeth, seals out bacteria, and preserves the natural tooth.
Inlays and Onlays
These restorations literally fill in the missing pieces. When a damaged area is too large for a filling, inlays and onlays can strengthen it again. They repair only the damaged part of the tooth, leaving the healthy tooth structure intact.
The Difference Between Holistic and Conventional Dentistry
Normally, placing a crown means drilling away almost all of the tooth structure above the gumline, whether it’s decayed or not. A conventional dentist will remove perfectly healthy dental tissue to make room for a crown. The finished restoration may be strong, but the process permanently sacrifices everything but the root of the tooth.
As holistic dentists we’re guided by different principles.
At Prescott Dentistry, we practice biomimetic dentistry, which literally means “to mimic nature,” as the foundation of all our treatment decisions. Biomimetic dentistry focuses on conserving tooth structure and vitality while increasing the longevity of restorations and preventing the need for future treatments. That mirrors exactly what we’ve observed in our practice.
This is one of the core differences between holistic and conventional dentistry. As holistic dentists, we consider the biocompatibility of materials, the long-term structural impact of each procedure, and what each treatment means for your future health.
When Root Canals Come Into the Picture
When a tooth is compromised deeply enough that the pulp is affected, patients are often told a crown is the automatic next step. We take a more individualized approach.
For those times when a root canal treatment is necessary, we are guided by the same holistic philosophy: preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible and using biocompatible materials throughout. Whether a crown is ultimately needed after a root canal will depend on the strength of the tooth itself.
Can a Tooth Be Saved Without a Crown? Let’s Talk.
The answer depends on the tooth, its history, and the options your dentist is trained to offer. As the only fully trained biomimetic dental practice in Northern Arizona, we bring that commitment to every patient, every appointment.
If you’ve been told you need a crown and want a second opinion, or you simply want to understand your full range of options, we’d love to help. Contact Prescott Dentistry to schedule a consultation today.
Photo by Christian Buehner on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/24/26.