What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a restoration that covers, or “caps” a tooth. It helps to restore it to its normal shape and size, improves it ability to resist biting loads and also improves the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are recommended when a tooth is badly broken down or where traditional fillings won’t solve the problem/complaint. If a tooth is cracked, a crown helps hold the tooth together and reduces the chances of the crack getting worse.
To prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown can fit over it. The tooth is reduced (cut down) to make room for the material that will be used to make the crown. An impression of the teeth and gums is made and sent to the lab for the crown fabrication. A temporary crown is fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown is made. On the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown onto the tooth.
