What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are placed over an entire damaged or decayed tooth to restore its original size, shape and colour.
These hollow, artificial teeth improve the strength, appearance and function of a broken tooth that might otherwise be lost.
Crowns are durable and may be constructed from numerous materials, including metal and porcelain. They look and function similar to natural teeth. If cared for properly, they can last 10 years or more.
How Dental Crowns Work
When a tooth is so badly damaged or decayed that large parts of it must be removed, your dentist might use a dental crown to repair it. A dental crown may also be used to restore a tooth following another dental procedure such as a root canal.
Dental crowns can also be used to attach bridges, cover dental implants or for cosmetic reasons, like to lighten a discoloured tooth. Dentists choose them when other types of restorations may not be suitable.
The Crown Procedure
Your dentist will typically need two appointments to place a dental crown. At the first, the dentist prepares the tooth and takes an impression of it, which will then be used to create a custom crown. While your crown is being made, you may receive a temporary crown.
Once your permanent crown is ready, you'll return for a second appointment where your crown will be placed and sculpted just for you, so that your bite and jaw move normally.