Dental Crowns: How and Why

Dental crowns can restore structurally unsound teeth and beautify your smile. When a tooth has extensive fillings, cracks, or damage, a crown can effectively save the tooth from extraction. Crowns are custom made to cover the entire portion of a tooth from the gum line. They can protect teeth from further damage and preserve the natural alignment of your bite. All-porcelain (or all-ceramic) crowns are tooth colored, so they match existing dentition.

At your first appointment, the dentist will prepare the tooth to be crowned by gently removing the outer surface and conservatively eliminating decayed areas, which creates the proper shape and size needed to accommodate the crown. Next, your doctor will make a precise impression of your tooth and send it to a dental laboratory. A ceramist will handcraft your dental crown and return it to your dentist's office. A temporary crown will protect your tooth until your second appointment.

At the following office visit, your dentist will remove the temporary and adjust the placement of the permanent crown. After evaluating appearance, color, bite alignment, and accuracy of fit, the doctor will permanently affix the crown. You'll enjoy your comfortable, beautiful crown as if it were completely natural.