Dental Crowns: Why Dentists Use Them

A crown is a restoration that covers much of the visible portion of a tooth. Dentists may use crowns when a tooth needs more protection than a smaller restoration can provide.

Reasons a crown may be considered

A crown may be recommended when a tooth has a large restoration, significant structural damage, a fracture, or has undergone certain other treatments. Crowns can also be part of a bridge or implant restoration. The reason should be explained in terms of the condition of your specific tooth.

What the process may involve

The dentist prepares the tooth so the restoration can fit over it, records the shape of the tooth using an impression or digital scan, and places a temporary or final restoration depending on the system used. A dental laboratory or in-office technology may fabricate the crown. More than one visit is common, but workflows vary.

Questions worth asking

• Why does this tooth need a crown rather than a filling or another restoration?
• What material is recommended and why?
• How much healthy tooth structure remains?
• Is root canal treatment involved or anticipated?
• What is the estimated fee and what portion may insurance cover?
• What problems should prompt a call after the crown is placed?

Crowns do not make a tooth maintenance-free

A crowned tooth still needs daily cleaning. The edges where the crown meets natural tooth structure can still be affected by plaque and decay. Gum health around the restoration also matters.

Crown materials are not all the same

Crowns can be made from ceramics, metal alloys, combinations of materials, or other dental restorative materials. Appearance, strength, available tooth structure, bite forces, allergies, location in the mouth, and cost can influence the choice. Ask why a particular material is being recommended for your tooth.

The tooth may need a buildup first

If a large portion of the tooth is missing, additional restorative material may be needed to create enough foundation for the crown. This is sometimes listed separately on a treatment estimate. Ask whether a buildup is planned and why it is needed.

Temporary crowns need care

When treatment is completed over more than one visit, a temporary crown may protect the prepared tooth while the final restoration is made. Temporary cement is intentionally easier to remove, so very sticky foods or chewing hard objects can dislodge the restoration. Follow the office's instructions and call if the temporary comes off or the bite feels significantly different.

After the final crown is placed

Mild short-term sensitivity can occur after some dental work, but persistent pain, a crown that feels too high, swelling, or a loose restoration should be reported. The dentist may need to adjust the bite or evaluate the tooth for another problem.

How long a crown lasts depends on more than the material

Oral hygiene, decay risk, grinding, bite forces, diet, gum health, and the amount of remaining tooth structure all influence longevity. There is no responsible way for a general website to promise that every crown will last a specific number of years.