Strengthening and Restoring Your Smile

Dental crowns are cosmetic restorations used to restore and strengthen a damaged or weakened tooth. They are commonly used for broken, worn, or decayed teeth that require additional support and protection.

Crowns fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line, effectively acting as a new outer surface for the tooth. They are cemented onto the tooth, providing long-term strength and durability.

When Crowns or A Fillings Needed

A dental filling repairs minor decay by plugging a small cavity with composite resin. A dental crown is a protective "cap" that fully covers a severely damaged or weakened tooth. While fillings address small holes, crowns restore structural integrity, preventing further breakage and preserving the tooth’s long-term health.

Why Large Fillings Failed (Composite)

Large fillings often fail because they lack the structural support of a natural tooth. Over time, the remaining thin walls of the tooth can crack under the pressure of chewing. Additionally, large fillings can shrink or expand, creating gaps where bacteria enter, leading to new decay or "leaking."

Why Large Fillings Failed (Amalgam)

An amalgam filling is a durable restorative material made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, and copper, bound by mercury. It is used to fill cavities caused by decay. Because it is highly resistant to wear, it has been a dental standard for over a century.

Crown Prep with Core Buildup

A crown prep with core buildup is a restorative process where a damaged tooth is first reinforced with a specialized filling material (the core) to replace missing structure. Once a solid foundation is created, the tooth is reshaped (prepped) to allow a custom crown to fit securely over it.

Single Crown

A single crown is a custom-made restoration designed to cover a single damaged or decayed tooth down to the gumline. Unlike a bridge, which replaces missing teeth, a single crown preserves your natural tooth root by reinforcing its structure, restoring its original shape, and improving its overall appearance.

Post-Operative Instructions for a Temporary Crown

Temporary crown post-operative instructions are essential guidelines to prevent the short-term restoration from dislodging or breaking. By avoiding sticky foods and sliding floss out sideways, you protect the prepared tooth and maintain gum health until the permanent, high-strength crown is ready for final placement.

If You Have A Crown and it doesn't Fit Right

A poorly fitted crown is a restoration that fails to align with your natural bite or seal correctly at the gumline. This creates "high spots" that cause pain when chewing or gaps (micro-leakage) that allow bacteria to seep underneath, leading to sensitivity, jaw discomfort, or secondary tooth decay.

Post-Operative Instructions for a Crown

Post-operative instructions for a crown are essential care steps followed after the final placement of a restoration. These include waiting for anesthesia to wear off before eating, avoiding sticky foods for 24 hours, and monitoring your bite to ensure the crown is properly balanced and comfortable.

Materials for Crowns

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including:

Porcelain: Preferred for its natural appearance, as it mimics the translucency of natural teeth and is highly durable.
Metal: Known for its strength and longevity, metal crowns are often used in the back of the mouth where the pressure from chewing is greatest.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Combining the best of both worlds, this option offers strength with a natural look.

When Are Crowns Needed?

Crowns are recommended when there isn’t enough tooth structure remaining to support a filling. Unlike fillings, which are placed directly into the cavity, crowns are custom-made in a dental laboratory based on impressions of your tooth.

If you have a tooth that is severely decayed, cracked, or damaged, a crown may be the best option to restore its function and appearance.

The Crown Creation Process

The process for creating a crown begins with taking an impression of your tooth, which allows a dental laboratory technician to analyze your bite and jaw movements. Using this information, the crown is crafted to fit your tooth perfectly. The goal is to ensure that, once placed, your bite and jaw movements function normally, providing comfort and optimal performance.