Dental Crowns

Crowns are single tooth restorations that are recommended in cases where there is insufficient tooth structure left due to fractures or decay or failing restorations. Crowns cover the entire visible tooth surface and help restore broken down teeth to proper function and esthetics. Crowns are custom made and therefore involve the use of a laboratory.

Crowns are made in 2 visits. The first visit involves preparing the tooth by drilling any old filling and cleaning out any decay then shaping the tooth for fitting the crown. A custom shade is taken and a mold is then made of the tooth which is sent to the laboratory.

The patient is then fitted with a temporary crown, which will be worn until the second and final visit. At the final visit the crown is tried in and any adjustments necessary are made. The crown is then cemented onto the tooth.




FAQ’s About Dental Crowns:

Will I need a root canal before a crown?
No, a root canal is not always necessary to be performed should you need a crown. Crowns are sometimes performed in order to avoid root canals by preventing further fracture of a tooth or filling and preventing leakage of an existing filling.

Is a crown permanent or does it come out?
A crown is permanent/non-removable. The crown is permanently cemented onto the tooth and therefore should not come out.

How long will crowns last?
Crowns may last anywhere from 5-10 years and many times longer if the patient maintains proper dental care.

What if I need a root canal after?
There may be times when a root canal is necessary after a crown has been cemented. In such cases the crown may be tapped off the tooth and have the root canal performed then the crown is recemented. If the crown cannot be removed, the root canal may still be performed by drilling a hole into the crown and still preserving the crown.

Is a crown harder to take care of?
Crowns are a little harder to maintain than natural teeth, but with proper flossing, brushing and maintenance visits patients usually have no problem taking care of their crowns.

Do crowns look like real teeth?
Yes, crowns are custom made to match your existing teeth.