Dental Crowns

While teeth are meant to last a lifetime, the reality is that they can become damaged or worn due to accident, tooth decay, or just regular use. This damage can in turn result in teeth becoming misshapen, cracked, or chipped. In those cases, a dental crown may be part of the solution, helping to preserve natural teeth and restore their function.

Dental crowns are fundamentally covers or caps that fit over a natural tooth; hence the name “crown”.  Dental crowns are made of a ceramic, porcelain, or metallic material which is shaped to fit and then fitted over the natural tooth. Held in place with a strong dental adhesive, dental crowns can last for years and years.

There are a number of situations in which your dentist may suggest a dental crown. Some of the more common include the following:

• Covering a chipped tooth
• Holding a cracked tooth together and protecting it
• Protecting a damaged tooth from decay
• Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling.
• Covering a misshapen or discolored tooth
• Supporting a dental bridge
• Protecting a tooth that’s been treated with a root canal

As you can see, dental crowns can be used to address a variety of problems that may develop. While installing a dental crown may take several office visits to complete, most of the time dental crowns can be put in place without much discomfort for the patient. Dental crowns generally don’t require any special care beyond a regular and effective brushing and flossing routine and dental exams and cleanings.