Crowns
A crown ("cap") is a
covering that looks like a tooth, placed over a carefully prepared preexisting
tooth. Crowns serve many functions, such as to strengthen, restore or improve the
appearance of your natural tooth. For example, a crown can support the
tooth when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a
filling. Crowns may also be used to protect the structure of a tooth
that is fractured or broken, and can be attached to bridges or dentures.
Crown Placement Procedure
- The tooth is prepared to
accept the replacement tooth, made of porcelain (and sometimes a
thin layer of metal for support). The tooth is prepared with a
slight taper to help secure the crown.
- The new crown is put in place. The carefully prepared replacement will fit under
the gum tissue to hide the junction between tooth and crown.
- The crown is cemented into place
using special dental adhesives. The end result will be a crown
that looks and feels as natural as an ordinary tooth.
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