Your dental crown will look, feel, and function just like a regular tooth.
Crowns (or “caps”) are custom made, full-coverage restorations that are one of the last lines of defense when it comes to maintaining a functional smile. Most have heard of crowns, but what are they exactly? Who really needs them?
When a tooth has been damaged to a point where it’s unable to hold a filling or has cracked, a crown is used to restore the tooth. Crowns cover the entire surface of the tooth above the gum lines, strengthening its stability as well as preserving its function.
A crown may also be needed over teeth that have been treated with a root canal, since those teeth are no longer vital and are more prone to normal wear and tear.
How Does It Work?
Before a crown can be placed, the damaged portion of the enamel must be removed. The tooth is then adjusted so that it can support a crown during normal use.
After preparations are completed, an impression is taken of your tooth. This will be used when customizing a crown to perfectly fit your individual tooth. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be worn until your permanent one arrives. In about two weeks, your permanent crown will be ready to bond in place permanently.
With proper care, crowns can last over a decade or more preserving the function of your smile.
