Dental crowns have been used for many years to help repair cracked teeth or to strengthen a tooth that has undergone a root canal. Crowns are also used for cosmetic applications.

The decision to use a dental crown is based upon the need of the individual patient and the condition of the tooth in question. In some cases, less invasive approaches can be used instead of crowns. It is important to consult with our dentist serving Cheeseman Park to determine whether or not your individual situation can be best treated with a dental crown.

Uses of Dental Crowns

Crowns are used less often now than they have been in the past, but are still common for certain conditions or problems. For example, at one time crowns were commonly used to cover severely discolored teeth, but now porcelain veneers, which require much less alteration of the tooth, are used more often. Today, the most common uses of dental crowns include:

• To repair a tooth that has been severely cracked
• To anchor a traditional bridge
• As part of a root canal procedure

Crowns can be made of metal, metal covered with porcelain, or of porcelain or another tooth-colored material. Crowns made of metal are more often placed on the back teeth, where chewing subjects them to high levels of pressure. For front teeth, porcelain materials are more commonly used.

How Crowns Work

A tooth must be restructured to make room for a crown. Typically, the dentist grinds the tooth down to a peg shape, over which the crown is fitted. Crowns are custom made from molds formed from the reshaped tooth. Your dentist will place a temporary crown while the custom crown is manufactured in an off-site lab. This temporary crown is then removed, and the permanent crown put into place. The dentist makes any necessary adjustments to the permanent crown to be sure it is comfortable and is shaped properly to accommodate your bite. When this process is complete, the crown gives you back a strong, serviceable tooth and a smile you can be proud of.