Dental Crowns

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are hollow, artificial teeth that can be placed over an entire decayed or damaged tooth. They are designed to restore the tooth's original shape, size and colour.

Dental crowns can be used to strengthen a broken tooth that might otherwise need to be removed. They can also change a tooth's function and appearance.

Crowns are strong and can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and metal. They look and function like natural teeth, and if cared for properly, can last 10 years or more.

How Dental Crowns Work

When a tooth experiences so much damage or decay that large portions of it must be removed, your dentist may use a dental crown to restore it.

Your dentist may also recommend a dental crown to restore a tooth following procedures such as root canals. Dental crowns may also be used to attach bridges, cover dental implants or for cosmetic reasons, such as to lighten a discoloured tooth.

The Crown Procedure

Placing a dental crown requires two dental appointments. At the first, your dentist will prepare and take an impression of the tooth which will be used to create a custom crown. While your crown is being made, you may be fitted with a temporary crown.

Once it's ready, you will return for a second appointment where your crown will be placed and sculpted just for you, so that your bite and jaw movements function normally.