What is a Crown and Why Do I Need a Crown?

A crown, or "cap" as it is commonly referred, is a cover that your dentist puts over a tooth.  The purpose of a crown is to make a tooth stronger by repairing it or to improve the way the tooth looks. A crown should look exactly like a natural tooth, it should be the same size and shape as your natural tooth.
A tooth may need a crown if:

• a tooth has a cavity that is too large for a filling
•  you need to cover a dental implant
•  you have a tooth that is cracked, worn down or weakened
•  a tooth has had a root canal
• you want to cover a discolored or badly shaped tooth thus improving your smile

Crowns are made from several different types of materials. Crowns can be made from metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resin or some combination of these materials.  Your dentist will make your crown so it fits comfortably in your mouth and looks like a natural tooth.  When determining the type of material to use to make your crown, you dentist will consider the location of the tooth, the position of the gum tissue and how much of the tooth shows when you smile.  You as the patient may also have a personal preference as to how you want your crown to look.

Once your dentist has determined that your tooth needs a crown, it usually takes two appointments to complete the treatment. At the first visit your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a thin outer layer of the tooth.  This is done so when the new crown is cemented on your remaining tooth, it will fit and not be bigger than the natural tooth. After the tooth is prepared, an impression (exact mold) of the tooth is made to provide an exact model that a lab technician will use to  make your crown.  After the impression is taken, a temporary crown will be made and cemented on your tooth using a temporary cement.  You will wear this temporary crown for a week or two until the lab technician is finished making the permanent crown.  It is important to keep the temporary crown in your mouth, without it your teeth can shift then the new crown won't fit properly.  When the permanent crown is completed, the dentist will take off the temporary crown and try in your new permanent crown.  Sometimes it is necessary to make some minor adjustments to be sure that the bite is exactly correct. When you bite together the tooth with the new crown should feel comfortable and no different that your other teeth. After any adjustments have been made, then your dentist will cement the new crown on the tooth using a permanent cement.

It is important to remember that under the crown is your natural tooth and it is still possible to get a cavity on the natural tooth that is under a crown.   It is important to brush twice a day and floss daily to remove the plaque bacteria to keep the tooth under the crown and the gum tissue around the crown healthy.  As always, be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams.