What is a dental crown and why is it needed?

A dental crown offers protection for a fragile tooth. It is shaped like a regular tooth and acts as a helmet for weakened teeth such as those that have root canal treatment, large restoration, or are missing a large part of the tooth.

Dental crowns can be made of different materials– metal, porcelain, and porcelain fused to metal. Metal is strong and durable, but not esthetic. Prettier choices are porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal. These allow for a colour that blends in with the adjacent natural teeth. New technology also allows zirconia to be used as a good alternative- for it can be both natural-looking and strong, for it can be used for back molars as well.

How long can a crown last? Typically 10-15 years but it depends on a lot of factors–having good oral hygiene habits like daily brushing and flossing, and going to regular dental check-ups Dentists can help identify diseases, such as caries (cavity), gum disease, early on. Thus preventing small problems from worsening.

Traditionally two dental visits are needed to make crowns. In the first one, the dentist shapes the tooth appropriately and takes a mold. The mold is then sent to a lab to fabricate the crown. This process takes about 2 weeks. A temporary crown is put on the tooth during the waiting period. The second visit is to try in and cement the crown.

With new German CEREC technology, crowns can now be made in 1 visit. New intraoral scanner means no yucky google impression material in the mouth anymore.