Crowns

When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold, and other metals, acrylic resin, or an amalgam (a mix) of these materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance, although they tend to be less durable than other materials. Crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a healthy and vibrant smile.

Preparing the Tooth and Crown

During your first visit, the dentist will numb the tooth to be crowned and remove the decay in or around it. The tooth is then resculpted to provide an easy fit for the crown. This is a painless process that is performed in the dentist’s chair.
An impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to the dental lab where permanent, custom-made crowns are created (this usually takes one to two weeks). During this interim period, temporary crowns made of acrylic resin are fitted onto the teeth.