What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are restorative appliances that repair decayed and broken teeth. When a tooth incurs too much damage for a filling, your dentist may recommend installing a crown.

A dental crown, also called a cap, fits over a prepared natural tooth, protecting it from food, plaque, and future damage. With a dental crown, patients can chew, speak, and smile like they would with a healthy tooth.

Advantages of Dental Crowns

• Preserve the natural root system and jawbone strength
• Keep surrounding teeth stable
• Excellent chewing ability
• Blends into your smile

The Dental Crown Process

The first step in getting a dental crown is evaluating the tooth. Dentists have multiple options to restore teeth, and they will choose the best method for your situation.

The dentist then takes a full impression of your teeth. The impression lets the dentist create a 3-D model of your teeth and dental bite, helping the new crown fit perfectly.

The dentist administers local anesthesia and then removes your tooth's damaged and decayed areas. They shape and smooth them to provide the best base for a crown. Another impression follows, allowing the dentist to design the crown's interior.

At this point, your dentist typically makes a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. The permanent crown will arrive from the lab shortly.

When your crown comes from the lab, your dentist will polish and shape it to fit perfectly in your mouth. They will also adjust the crown's height to create a natural bite and cement it into place.

Dental Crown Materials

Ceramic

Ceramics is the most popular crown material today. A ceramic crown matches your healthy smile and provides durable performance. Ceramic also has a natural shine that resembles healthy tooth enamel.

Base Metal

A base metal crown is more robust than ceramic and performs excellently in the back of the mouth. Young children needing crowns often receive metal ones.

Porcelain Over Metal

This type of crown combines the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain.

Gold Alloys

Gold is the strongest crown material. Many patients choose it because they put a great deal of stress on their teeth due to bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), and others prefer its appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

Crowns better protect the remaining natural tooth than fillings. Teeth naturally become brittle after root canals, and a crown provides better longevity.

What should I do if my crown falls out?

Save the crown and call the dentist as soon as possible. It is not an emergency, but your natural tooth needs the crown's protection, so you should address it quickly.

Call Queens Crown Dental

If you have a damaged or discolored tooth and feel you would benefit from a dental crown, please call our Honolulu, HI, office at 808-526-2800. We will schedule an appointment to evaluate your tooth and determine whether a crown is the best solution.