A dental crown covers and restores a tooth to its original size and shape following extensive dental breakdown, including fractures or advanced tooth decay. Crowns can be made out of several types of materials. Porcelain dental crowns, in particular, are very durable and are popular among dental patients because they can be made to resemble the natural tooth.
Crowns can be used for the following reasons:
- Decayed, broken, or cracked teeth will need dental crowns to restore form, function, and aesthetics.
- A tooth that has received root canal treatment will become brittle and need a crown to protect the tooth from possible fracture.
- Large fillings are prone to failure so crowns are often placed instead.
Crown Placement
The procedure for placing a crown is usually done in two appointments:
- At the first appointment your dentist will numb the tooth and prepare the tooth by removing decay or fractures to create the ideal space for your future crown. The dentist will then create a digital scan of the tooth to send to the lab to create your custom crown. While the laboratory constructs your future crown you will be fitted with a temporary crown.
- At the second appointment, which is generally scheduled about two weeks after the first appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the dentist will place the custom crown. After verifying fit and making any necessary adjustments, the dentist permanently cements the crown in place.