What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are hollow, artificial teeth that can be placed over a tooth to make it look or function better. The crown is designed to cover the entire tooth so it can restore its shape, size and colour.
An added bonus of dental crowns is that they can strengthen a broken tooth that might otherwise be lost and protect the broken tooth from further damage.
Crowns are usually made from porcelain or composite resin and are designed to be strong. Crowns can look and work like a natural tooth, and should last decades if cared for properly.
When are Dental Crowns Used?
If you have a tooth that is so damaged or decayed that parts of it need to be removed, your dentist may recommend a dental crown be placed over it to restore it.
Dental crowns can also be used to protect a tooth after another dental procedure, like a root canal. They can also be used to attach bridges, cover implants, restore cracked or fractured teeth, and help change the shape and colour of a tooth.
The Crown Procedure
Placing a dental crown requires two dental appointments. First, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth which will be used to create a custom crown.
They will then create your custom dental crown using CEREC® technology. This allows them to create and place your crown on the same day. These crowns are just as durable as standard crowns, but when CEREC is involved, you don't have to spend as much time in the dental chair.