Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth — to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance and function.

The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?

A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

1. To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
2. To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
3. To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
4. To hold a dental bridge in place
5. To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
6. To cover a dental implant
7. To make a cosmetic modification

For children, a crown may be used on primary (baby) teeth in order to:

·Save a tooth that has been so damaged by decay that it can’t support a filling.

In such cases, a pediatric dentist is likely to recommend a stainless steel crown.