What is a crown?

What is a crown?
Dental crowns restore the beauty, functionality, integrity and shape of missing tooth structure occurring as a result of dental decay or trauma.  Crowns are often required after root canal therapy is completed to prevent a tooth from fracturing.  Crowns can also be used to cover discolored or misshapen teeth to obtain a more esthetically pleasing smile.  A crown is a a restoration that covers (or "caps") a tooth that has been broken, to restore it's normal shape and size.  Crowns are necessary when a tooth has been damaged significantly and cannot be adequately restored with a filling.  A crown can prevent a weak tooth from breaking; it can also prevent a cracked tooth from further fracture. 

Will a crown look natural? 
Crowns can be made from porcelain, gold or a combination of porcelain and metal.  Porcelain crowns can be made to have a very life-like appearance and be detectable only to the most trained eye.  A crown can look just like a natural tooth.  Many factors are considered when determining which crown material is best for your particular tooth, including the color, bite, shape, and location of the tooth in your mouth.

If you have questions about dental crowns, or which option might be right for you schedule an appointment today.