Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a type of restoration in which your dentist places a cover or "cap" over one or more teeth. The purpose of a crown is to restore a tooth that has been damaged to its usual size, shape and function. Dental crowns can offer strength and protection to a tooth and enhance its appearance.

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Your dentist may recommend a crown for you if you need:

Cover for a dental implant
Restoration of a fractured tooth
Attachment of a dental bridge for the replacement of missing teeth
For covering a misshapen or discolored tooth
Support for a tooth with insufficient remaining tooth structure to support a large filling

Crown Materials

A dental crown can be constructed from a range of materials. Some common ones are porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, metallic alloys and composite resin. During the construction of a dental crown, the material used can be colored to match surrounding teeth.

Your dental crown should appear natural and comfortably fit within your mouth. To determine the appropriate material for your dental crown, you will need to consider factors like:

Tooth function and location
Gum tissue position
Amount of tooth revealed whenever you smile
Shade or color of surrounding teeth

Getting Your Dental Crown

In most cases, getting a crown only requires two dental appointments. When your dentist places a crown over your natural tooth, the following steps are normally taken:

Your dentist will prepare the tooth to be crowned by removing some of its outer structure, including any tooth decay, so that your dental crown will fit properly. They can also build up the core of a tooth if it needs additional structure for the support of a crown.

Next, your dentist will form an impression that allows for the creation of a precise model of your tooth. Impressions can be created from a mold or from a digital scan of the tooth.

It may take some time to create a new dental crown. So your dentist will place a temporary one until your permanent crown is ready. In most cases, the process takes less than two weeks.

While you are wearing a temporary crown, you may find that your tooth is somewhat sensitive to extreme temperatures. Avoid eating sticky foods and chewing gum during this period.

In some cases, a patient may be able to receive their permanent crown on the same day.

Aftercare

As with natural teeth, dental crowns can become damaged and break. You can also experience tooth decay in the tooth under the dental crown. To prevent damage to your new dental crown:

Brush your teeth: Brush them at least twice daily using a good fluoride toothpaste. Also floss between your teeth to remove trapped food particles.
Do not chew hard foods like ice or chew on hard objects, particularly if you have crowns that are tooth-colored.

Contact Us

If you feel that you would benefit from getting a dental crown, please contact us today to schedule your appointment or consultation. New patients are always welcome.