Restore a Compromised Tooth with a Dental Crown

A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely encircles remaining tooth structure or a dental implant. It is necessary to fabricate a crown when there is not enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support filling materials or when restoring dental implants. 

Crowns are made of porcelain fused to a metal substrate or can be completely made of ceramic materials. Insurance usually contributes to the cost of crowns, but you may have some out-of-pocket expenses depending on the material used.

Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. If you only wish to conceal aesthetic flaws, a veneer may be a better choice.

Procedures

A tooth is usually reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression is taken and a cast is made of the existing teeth. The impression is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. A temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready to be inserted. 

Caring For Your Crowns

With proper care, a crown can last for many years. It is very important to follow the same oral hygiene instructions that are followed for natural teeth.