Crowns Specialist

What is a Crown?

A crown is a thin piece of porcelain that is custom created to fit snugly over the top of a damaged tooth. Crowns are most often placed on the back teeth, for example, the molars. However, they may be used on any teeth in the mouth.

Why Are Crowns Needed?

Crowns may be needed for many different reasons. They serve as protection for broken or cracked teeth, and can protect teeth that are decaying. After a root canal, many patients have a crown placed atop the affected tooth to protect it. Crowns may even be used to help strengthen teeth. In some cases, crowns are used as a purely cosmetic enhancement.

What is the Process For Getting a Crown?

Crown placement will normally be done over two separate visits. During the first visit, the dentist will make impressions of the tooth that needs the crown. These impressions will be used to make customized crowns that exactly fit over the top of the tooth, and they will also be used to make a temporary crown. The temporary crown will be placed after the dentist numbs the tooth. Sometimes the dentist will also need to do some minor tooth shaping to ensure a good crown fit. The temporary crown is then placed with dental cement. This crown will be worn for around two weeks until the permanent crown is ready. Once the permanent crown has been fabricated in the dental lab, the patient will return to the dentist. The temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be put in its place.

How Long do Crowns Last?

Crowns can last for anywhere from 5 years up to several decades. Careful oral health care can go a long way toward keeping crowns in peak condition for as long as possible.