A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular.  They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.  Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

Reasons for crowns:

• Broken or fractured teeth.
• Cosmetic enhancement.
• Decayed teeth.
• Fractured fillings.
• Large fillings.
• Tooth has a root canal.

What does getting a crown involve?

The Procedure
Restoring your tooth with a crown may take 2 or 3 dental visits.  Expect to wait 2 to 3 weeks between appointments.  Follow the instructions that your dentist gives you.

Preparing Your Tooth
Before preparing your tooth for a crown, your dentist may first numb the tooth with a local anesthetic.  Then, the tooth is reduced and shaped.  Any decay is removed.  Your tooth may also need rebuilding if larger parts are missing.  A mold is taken of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth.  A temporary crown is applied to protect the prepared tooth between visits.

Between Visits
The mold of our teeth is sent to the lab to make your permanent crown.  Meanwhile, take good care of your temporary crown.  Follow the tips below:

• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods.
• Brush gently at the gumline around the temporary crown.
• Carefully floss between your teeth.  To remove the floss, pull it out from the side of the tooth-not the top.