Crowns
Crowns are used to restore damaged teeth that do not require extraction. The crown is a cap over the tooth that allows restoration of shape, appearance, and function, while protecting it from further damage or fracture. Once completed the crown appears and functions similar to a natural tooth. A crown may be placed if you have had a root canal, a large filling is present on an existing tooth, or a tooth has been broken.
A crown is placed under local anesthetic. The tooth is then filed down and an impression is taken in order to create a custom model for your final crown. Until your final crown is fabricated in the lab, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth. A temporary crown may not have the same shape and colour as a final crown, but will allow for functional use of the tooth. On your second visit, the temporary crown is removed and replaced with the permanent crown where it will be cemented into place.
Different types of crowns
- Porcelain crowns have the most natural appearance. They are more brittle than metal crowns causing them to occasionally chip more easily.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a natural appearance similar to a porcelain crown but are stronger in nature due to the addition of metal. They tend to not chip as easily as porcelain crowns.
- Metal crowns are fabricated of gold or silver. They tend to be more durable allowing them to last a long time without chipping or breaking. They are commonly used on children as they are not damaging to the opposing teeth. However, the metallic crowns do not have a natural look and feel compared to the porcelain crowns.
