Dental Crowns

A crown is used to entirely cover or “cap” a tooth for a variety of reasons.

Your dentist may recommend a crown to:

  • Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining
  • Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
  • Restore a fractured tooth
  • Attachment as part of a bridge
  • Cover a dental implant
  • Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
  • Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth

A crown may be needed on a tooth that has a deep cavity, fracture or is at risk for a fracture. and is used to keep the condition from further degrading. Also, a crown may be needed to facilitate bridgework, partial or complete dentures, or other dental prosthetics. Crowns are also typically required after root canal therapy to protect the treated tooth from cracking or suffering damage during chewing. In the final instance a dental crown may also help restore the appearance of the patient’s teeth by creating a more consistent contour and color.

After a dental impression of the patient’s mouth has been taken the crown is fabricated outside the mouth and then applied at a subsequent appointment. The crown itself may be made of a variety of materials. The material used may depend on the reason for the crown, the patient’s personal preferences and the purpose served by the use of the crown.