Crowns

Crowns are also known as caps.

When a tooth is damaged extensively by decay or trauma, a filling may not be suitable to restore the tooth and a crown is then the choice of treatment.

Also for aesthetic reasons, a crown can cover a discoloured tooth.   

A crown is designed to cover the part of the tooth that shows above the gums. If that part of the tooth is not sufficient to carry a crown, the root of the tooth is used.

After the tooth is prepared and shaped, an impression is taken. The impression is sent to the dental technician who then designs a crown to fit the tooth and sends it back to the dentist.

The crown is then cemented onto the tooth.

Between the visits a temporary crown covers the prepared tooth.

Inlays or onlays are crowns that do not cover the whole surface of the tooth but are designed to replace a big part of it.

There are many types of crowns. The most common are listed below:

• Porcelain bonded crowns: Consists of a metal core with porcelain fused on top. It is used to restore front and back teeth.
• Ceramic crowns: are crowns with no metal core for better aesthetics. They can be used for back and front teeth.
• Porcelain crowns: these crown is made of porcelain and is used for front teeth.
• Gold crowns: are made from a mixture of gold and other metal alloys. These crowns are ideal for patients who are heavy grinders.