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Crowns

A crown is a restoration that covers, or "caps," a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. They are normally tooth coloured and are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse. Crowns are also used to support a large filling when there isn't enough of the tooth remaining, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discoloured teeth.

Crowns are stationary and are customarily indicated for teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure, or to replace missing teeth. Crowns may be placed on natural teeth or dental implants.

Procedure

Preparing and fitting a crown requires at least two appointments. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared normally under local anesthetic, and an impression or mould is made of the tooth and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it whilst the crown is being made. At the subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is cemented or bonded into place.

Taking care of your crowns

Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.

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