What is a Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth covering it to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance. The crown fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Crowns are custom made to fit over each tooth. They can be made of a variety of different materials, including ceramics, porcelain-and-metal, gold, or resin.

Which Crown Material Should I Choose?

In order to recommend you wich materials are the best, your dentist will first consider factors such as:

• Tooth’s location
• How much of the tooth will show when you smile
• Position of your gum tissue
• Function of the tooth that needs the crown
• How much natural tooth is remaining
• Color of the surrounding teeth

How Do I Know if I Need a Crown?

If you have a large cavity that’s too big for a filling, it may be time for a crown. You may also need a crown if your tooth is: severely worn down, cracked or weakened. Crowns are also recommended following a root canal on a tooth, because the tooth is more fragile and needs protection.

You may be a candidate for a crown if you’re missing a tooth, and the dentist needs to put in a dental bridge or a tooth implant.