What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped "caps" that are placed on broken or fractured teeth as well as those that have recently undergone root canal therapy. The purpose of a dental crown is to stabilize and strengthen the existing tooth and/or improve the original tooth's appearance. The existing tooth is ground down and a custom-made dental crown is placed over the top. Dental crowns may also be used as an "anchor" to which a bridge is attached or can provide the final component to an implant.

Get your dental crown in just one or two dental visits

Most dental crowns require at least two visits. At the first appointment, we’ll prepare and shape your tooth, then take impressions. Then our dental lab will make a model from these impressions, and use the model to create your new dental crown from porcelain, gold or other alloys, or a combination of these materials.

Some dental crowns, called CEREC crowns, can be achieved in one visit. Learn more about whether CEREC dental crowns are for you.

What are the reasons for needing a Dental Crown?

There are several possible reasons why a patient may need tooth crown treatment. Here are a few possibilities.

  • You may need a dental crown or tooth crown if your tooth has fractured
  • You may need a dental crown if an old dental or tooth crown or filling has failed
  • You may need a dental crown (or tooth crown) if you’ve had root canal therapy
  • You may need a dental crown if you have a very large cavity, or you’d like to improve a tooth’s appearance.

If improving the appearance of a smile is the main focus, patients may decide to have a dental veneer placed instead of a dental crown. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made tooth-colored material (often compared to a fake fingernail) that covers the front side of the teeth. The custom-made porcelain veneer material is bonded to the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, size or length resulting in an improved appearance. Veneers can dramatically change a person's smile in two short dental visits.

Alternatives To Dental Crowns

If you are looking for another alternative to a dental crown, a more temporary option is available with Dental Bonding. Dental Bonding is the process of placing a tooth-colored material to the tooth to improve appearance. Dental bonding is often used on chipped, cracked or stained teeth or to help fill gaps between teeth. While dental bonding materials today are more durable than in years past, it is considered a more temporary and less durable treatment than a tooth crown or veneer.

See our complete list of all First Choice Dental locations, so that you can talk more with one of our dentists about your options for dental crowns and other dental treatments. Or Request An Appointment today.