Dental Crowns

What are Dental Crowns?

A crown (or cap) is a precision laboratory-made restoration positioned over a tooth to create a smoother look and enhance strength and durability. When a tooth is cracked, has an old filling, or is severely decayed, the placement of a crown is often recommended. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile.

Types of crowns include:

• the full porcelain crown (ideal for use on the front teeth)
• the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown
• the all-metal crown (ideal for use on the back teeth)

 

The Dental Crown Procedure

Before placing the crown on the tooth, we painlessly prepare the tooth to make room for the crown (cap). Then an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth is taken. A temporary acrylic crown is placed on the tooth. When the permanent crown is ready (1-2 weeks normally), the temporary crowns are replaced with the permanent crown. A crown may last up to 40 years.