Dental Crowns
A crown often called a cap, is an artificial cover that restores a decayed or damaged tooth to its normal shape and size. It is useful for protecting the structure of a tooth that is cracked or broken. A crown can also be used to change the shape of a tooth, to correct a bite or cosmetic problem, or to replace existing broken or poorly-fitting crowns. A crown may be made of gold and other metals, porcelain, or a combination of the two.
There are many situations that may call for a crown:
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Large old fillings – When large old fillings break down or develop decay, the tooth often needs to be crowned. It is important to crown a tooth that has been structurally weakened to prevent further damage such as cracking or breaking. |
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Cracked tooth – When a tooth is cracked, a crown is placed over the tooth to hold it together. If the cracked tooth is left untreated, it can become sensitive or will eventually break. It is important to crown a cracked tooth before it breaks as broken teeth are not always repairable |
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Extensive decay – If a tooth has decayed so extensive that the tooth structure is weakened, a crown can often allow the tooth to be saved |
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Broken / Fractured tooth – A tooth that has broken may be too weak to hold a filling. A crown will hold the tooth together and prevent it from breaking again |
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Root Canal Therapy – A tooth that has undergone Root Canal Therapy will need a crown to properly seal and protect the tooth |
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Esthetics – Crowns can help to improve your appearance and smile |