A dental crown (also known as a "cap") is a restoration that we use when a tooth is no longer a good candidate for a traditional filling and when we need to restore and protect teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment (root canal). There are many types of materials that we can use for crowns, and we will discuss some of these materials below.
A dental crown usually takes approximately two visits to make. At the first appointment, we prepare (shape) the tooth for the crown, replace any missing tooth structure with materials that are like the ones we use when bonding teeth, and we take a mold. You will leave the office with a temporary crown in place, and when you return for the second visit, we will cement the crown with definitive cement.
The materials we use in crowns depends upon the clinical situation. In general, PFM crowns (porcelain-fused-to-metal) are the strongest of dental crown types and have been used successfully for decades; these crowns are especially well-suited for back teeth. While you can use a PFM crown in the front, improved ceramic technology allows us to fabricate all-ceramic crowns, which we use in cases where esthetics are critical.
Crowns are designed to last for many, many years, but must be kept clean in order to maximize their benefit. Many people don't realize it, but cavities can still form around the edges of even the most well-made crown; therefore, proper brushing and flossing are important. If a tooth gets a crown after a root canal treatment, home care and regular 6-month checkups are especially critical; because the tooth has no nerve, you will not feel it if a cavity begins to form.
