Crowns & Caps
A crown covers and protects a damaged tooth, restoring its shape and strength when a filling would not hold.
A crown — also called a cap — fits over the whole visible part of a tooth. It is used when too much of the tooth has been lost or weakened for a filling to be reliable, and its job is structural: holding the remaining tooth together so it does not split.
When a crown is needed
- A tooth that is cracked, or at risk of cracking under normal biting
- A large old filling that has failed, leaving little sound tooth around it
- A tooth after root canal treatment, which becomes more brittle
- Significant wear from grinding or acid erosion
- A tooth badly broken by decay or an accident
Crowns can be made in a laboratory over two visits, or in some cases made and fitted in a single appointment. Which is appropriate depends on the tooth.
Common questions
- How long does a crown last?
- Many last well over a decade. Longevity depends on the tooth underneath, your bite and whether you grind. The tooth beneath a crown can still decay at the margin, so it is checked at routine visits.
More about this
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth, giving you a long-lasting, beautiful smile.
- Broken or fractured teeth.
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
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