What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are hollow, artificial teeth that are placed over a prepared tooth to restore its original shape, size and colour. Dental crowns help strengthen and change the appearance of a damaged tooth that may otherwise be lost.
Crowns are strong and can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and metal. They look and function like natural teeth, and if cared for properly, can last 10 years or more.
How Dental Crowns Work
When a tooth experiences so much damage or decay that large portions of it must be removed, your dentist may use a dental crown to restore it.
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 requires 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.