Porcelain Crowns (Caps)
If you want a smile that’s your crowning glory, you may need a crown to cover a tooth to help restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance.
A crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to hold the filling. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. It’s also used to cover a dental implant.
We often recommend a crown to correct one of these conditions. Our primary concern, like yours, is helping you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.
For more details on this service visit ADA’s 
WHY DENTAL CROWNS?
- > Damaged, broken or worn down teeth that cannot be repaired with a simple filling.
- > If you want or need to dramatically change the shape, size or even color and alignment of your teeth.
- > As part of a bridge to replace a missing tooth if you are not an implant candidate.
- > To strengthen a tooth with a very large filling that needs to be replaced.
- > To protect a tooth that has had a root canal.
What can I expect during the procedure?
In order to place a crown on a tooth, the tooth must first be prepared. This is done by removing a small amount (1-2mm) of tooth structure circumferentially (360◦) around the tooth to give enough space for the crown material. At this time any areas of decay or broken down fillings will also be removed. When this is completed, an impression of your tooth will be taken. This impression will be sent to our very capable lab technicians who will use it to fabricate a precise-fitting crown in a color that matches your existing teeth. While you are waiting for your crown to return from the lab you will be wearing a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
At your next appointment, about two to three weeks later, the temporary crown will be removed and we will insert your permanent crown. We will check to make sure it fits well, has a pleasing esthetic appearance, and feels comfortable when you bite down and chew. Some slight adjustment of the crown may be necessary to make it perfect. Finally, the permanent crown will be bonded or cemented to your tooth with dental cement. If you have any questions about crowns or a question during or after your procedure please feel free ask us!
I had a crown placed, now what?
After having your crown placed your tooth should function just as it did before treatment. As always, it is important to keep the crown clean using your normal, diligent brushing and flossing techniques. It is possible to fracture portions of a crown material so you should avoid chewing ice or other hard objects or biting your fingernails. Depending on the nature of your bite we may recommend that you wear a night guard to help protect the crown.
