The part of the tooth visible in the mouth is called the CROWN. If this part of the tooth becomes weak due to decay or damage then an artificial crown can be made to cover and protect it.

Crowns are made of metal, porcelain or a combination of metal and porcelain.

WHAT THE DENTIST WILL DO?

• The dentist may administer a local anaesthetic to numb (or anaesthetise) the area.
• The tooth will be shaped to enable a crown to be fitted that will be the same size and shape as a normal tooth, this is called CROWN PREPARATION stage. Prior to this, the tooth may need to be built up with a filling.
• Sometimes it may be necessary to root fill the tooth (that is remove the nerve). If this is done then it may be necessary to hold the crown in place with a post (peg) fitted into the root canal space.
• Your dentist will take very accurate impressions (moulds) of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. These moulds are then sent to a dental technician to custom make your crown.
• While your crown is being made a temporary crown is fitted. This is to protect the tooth and is not as strong as the permanent one.
• When your crown is fitted it may be necessary to make small adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. The crown is tried in first then cemented with strong dental cement.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• A crown can improve the appearance of discoloured, malformed or damaged teeth.
• Depending on the tooth underneath, a crown can last for many years if it is looked after and there is no accidental damage to the tooth.
• Care is taken in selecting the colour (shade) of the artificial crown. As a result a crowned tooth can look and feel the same as a natural tooth.