Restoring Damaged Teeth
Dental crowns are hollow, artificial teeth that are placed over an entire decayed or damaged tooth. They are designed to restore the tooth to its original shape, size, and colour.
Dental crowns can strengthen a broken tooth that might otherwise be lost, and change its function and appearance.
Crowns are strong and can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and metal. They look and function like natural teeth, and can last 10 years or more when cared for properly.
How Dental Crowns Work
When a patient's tooth experiences so much damage or decay that large portions of it must be removed, your dentist may be able to restore the tooth with a dental crown.
Your dentist may also recommend a dental crown to restore a tooth after another dental procedure like a root canal. Dental crowns may also be used to attach bridges, to cover dental implants or for cosmetic reasons, such as to lighten a discoloured tooth.
The Crown Procedure
Placing a dental crown will require two dental appointments. At the first, your dentist will prepare and take an impression of the tooth which will be used to create a custom crown. While your crown is being made, you may be fitted with a temporary crown.
Once it's ready, you will return for a second appointment where your crown will be placed and sculpted just for you, so that your bite and jaw movements function normally.