What are they and why are the needed?

A crown or a “cap” is a restoration that covers and surrounds a tooth from the biting or chewing surface of the tooth down to the gumline of that tooth and all the way around. The crown serves to protect and strengthen the tooth when it has had a large previous amalgam or composite resin restoration, when it has been previously root canal treated or when the tooth has been damaged or broken in an incident or accident. Crowns are often used when teeth are misshapen or discoloured as well to improve on the shape and esthetics of the tooth while at the same time protecting the tooth.

What is involved in the procedure?

The preparation and placement of a crown is a two-appointment procedure. At the first appointment the tooth is prepared in order to allow for the proper fitting of the crown. At the end of this first appointment an impression or mould is taken of the tooth and gums, the adjacent teeth and the opposing teeth and sent to a commercial laboratory for the fabrication of the crown. The fabrication of the crown at the laboratory usually takes approximately 2 weeks. In the meantime, a temporary crown is made for you at the first appointment and placed over your tooth. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is cemented into place. Crowns are commonly expected to last between 10 and 15 years.