CROWNS                                                                                                                                                      

What is a crown and why do you need one?

A crown is an artificial tooth that covers and restores a tooth’s shape, appearance and  function.  You may need a crown if you have had a root canal, a large filling or a have a broken tooth.   Crowns can also be used to cover a discoloured or misshapen tooth.  Once a crown has been placed on a tooth it will look and work much like a natural tooth.

How will your Dentist make a crown?

1.       Your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic.

2.       The dental assistant will take an impression of your teeth.

3.       Your dentist will then file down the tooth that needs to be restored, to make room for the crown.

4.       Another impression of the filed-down tooth and nearby teeth is taken.  This impression is used to custom make your final crown so it will be the right shape for your mouth.  This impression will be sent to a dental lab to fabricate your crown.

5.       Until your final crown is ready your dentist places a temporary crown over the tooth that needs to be restored.  The temporary crown is made from an impression of your tooth before it was filed down.  It protects your tooth until the final crown is ready.   A temporary crown may not have the same shape and colour as a final crown.

6.       On your next visit, approximately 2 weeks later, your dentist takes off the temporary crown and puts on the final one.  Your dentist checks to make sure the crown is the right fit, shape, colour and bite.  If it is, your dentist cements the crown into place.

These are the steps dentists most often follow in making a crown, but your tooth may need special care.  If this is the case your dentist will discuss this with you accordingly.

Crowns are strong and generally last for about 10 years or longer if you take good care of them.  Brush and floss your crown, just like you clean your natural teeth.  Crowns may not be as strong as your natural teeth.  So like your natural teeth, remember not to bite down on hard objects or use your teeth to open or cut things.