Dental crowns

Think of a dental crown as a type of “cap” that your dentist places on top of a tooth that is discolored, damaged or missing. One common reason why people need dental crowns is for the complete replacement of a tooth with a dental implant. Crowns are also commonly used for reshaping broken teeth or enhancing the appearance of teeth.

The most common type of material used in dental crowns today is porcelain or ceramic, but other materials like gold, metal alloys, or acrylic can also be used. Your dentist will provide you with a recommendation for the most appropriate material for your individual crown.

Dental crowns are most often used for:

Repairing a worn down or broken tooth
Restoring a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment

Replacing a missing tooth as part of a dental bridge
Covering poorly shaped or discolored teeth to enhance their appearance
Replacing a missing tooth using a dental implant
Repairing or protecting a tooth with significant decay or chips and cracks

Durability of Crowns

Dental crowns do not always last for a lifetime, although it is possible. Most crowns last around 10 to 15 years. The longest lasting crowns are those made of zirconia or a metal like gold.

A crown needs replacing when it has been broken or chipped, but most crown replacements are necessary because of problems like tooth decay under the crown, or gum disease. This highlights why it’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene, even if you have a dental crown.

Appointment Length

Up until fairly recently, receiving a crown typically involved several dentist visits and quite a few hours in the dentist’s chair. Recent technological advances, such as computer-aided design, allows for the prepping and fitting of crowns in only a few hours.

Getting Your New Dental Crown

To receive a dental crown, your dentist would begin by examining your tooth and taking x-rays to look for cavities, as well as to reveal the structure of the tooth root. They will then prepare the area by filing the tooth down and reshaping it to make room for a crown. Local anesthesia ensures that you remain completely comfortable during the preparations and fitting process.

If needed, impressions will be taken of your tooth to be delivered to a dental lab, which will custom craft your new crown.

Once your dentist has received your crown back from the lab, they will check it to ensure proper color and fit. If everything is in order, your dentist will then permanently bond your new dental crown into place.

Learn More

Restore your smile with dental crowns! Our team offers dental consultations to address any questions or concerns you may have. Simply call or request an appointment online. New patients are always welcome!