Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is like a cover or 'cap' for a tooth that fits over the remaining tooth to protect it from fracture. Dental crowns can be made out of metals, porcelain or a combination of metal and porcelain.
Why are crowns recommended?
Crowns are recommended for teeth that have been structurally weakened by large fillings, cracks, or have had root canal treatment.
What does the procedure involve?
The outer perimeter of the tooth is reduced to accommodate the thickness of the crown (about 1-2 millimeters). An impression is then taken and a temporary crown is placed while your new crown is made by the dental lab. Once the crown is fabricated, it will be permanently cemented onto the tooth.
What will it look like?
Your dental crown will look like a natural tooth and will be the same size as the original tooth when the crown is in place.
What are the consequences of not getting a crown?
Teeth that have been structurally weakened by large fillings, cracks or root canal treatment can fracture and then require more complex treatment or even extraction.
What are the benefits of getting a crown?
Your tooth is less likely to fracture and you are less likely to have to deal with the inconvenience of an emergency trip to the dentist to get it repaired. In this way, you may be able to avoid pain and complications that result from a fractured tooth.
You can also keep the tooth, which of course helps with chewing, but also plays a role in keeping your other teeth in line and preventing bite changes over time.
If you think a dental crown may be in your near future, call us today at