What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth shaped appliance that is designed to fit over a prepared tooth. This appliance restores the prepared tooth to proper shape and size. Crowns reinforce the prepared tooth and improves appearance.

The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Why is a Dental Crown Needed?

A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

1. To protect a weak tooth.
2. To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
3. To cover and support a tooth with a very large filling or a tooth with completed endodontic therapy.
4. To hold a dental bridge in place.
5. To cover discolored teeth.
6. To cover and restore a dental implant.
7. To make a cosmetic modification.

What Types of Permanent Crowns are Available?

In our office, permanent crowns are fabricated using all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-precious metal or all metal gold crowns. Our office uses only the finest porcelain and only precious metal.

• Metal used in crowns is exclusively gold. Compared to other crown types, less tooth structure is removed with gold crowns and tooth wear to opposing teeth is kept to a minimum. Metal crowns withstand biting and chewing forces very well and last the longest in terms of wear. Metal crowns are a good choice for molars.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns can be matched to compliment your adjacent teeth. Next to all-ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look most like regular teeth. These crowns can be a good choice for front and back teeth.
• All ceramic or All-porcelain dental crowns provide the best natural color match for high standards in the esthetic zone of teeth (front teeth). The strength of these crowns is very good but generally considered less strong when compared to the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. All-ceramic crowns remain the first choice for front teeth.

What Steps are Involved in Preparing a Tooth for a Crown?

Preparing a tooth for a crown usually requires three visits. The first visit involves preparing the tooth. The second visit involves taking a mold of the prepared tooth. Placement of the finished crown is the third visit.

Patients are informed to continue good oral hygiene practices, including thorough brushing all teeth and new crowns, and regular flossing.