What is a Crown?

A dental Crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a tooth or implant to restore its appearance and function. Crowns can be used to fix broken, decayed, misshapen, or discolored teeth, or to replace a missing tooth when used with an implant. They can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy, or a combination of porcelain and metal.

What can I expect during a Crown?

Getting a dental crown usually involves two visits to the dentist. The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. Numb the area The dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue so you don't feel any pain.

2. Prepare the tooth The dentist may remove any decay or damage, and reshape the tooth along the sides and chewing surface to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth removed depends on the type of crown being used.

3. Take an impression The dentist will take a copy of the tooth's shape using an impression or digital scanner. This information is then sent to a lab where a technician will make a custom crown to fit your tooth.

4. Cement the crown The dentist will bond the permanent crown to the tooth using dental cement and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a good fit. They will also check that your bite is comfortable.