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. In some cases, the crown can be made at the dental practice and bonded the same day!