Services · 2 min read
What are dental crowns, and when are they needed?
How crowns protect weakened teeth, the materials available — including zirconia — and what the process involves.
Supriya Multispeciality Dental Clinic, Published
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a tooth, covering the part you can see. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength and appearance when a filling alone wouldn’t be enough.
When a crown may be recommended
- After root canal treatment, especially on back teeth
- When a tooth has a very large filling
- To hold together a cracked tooth
- For badly worn or discoloured teeth
- To support a bridge or cover a dental implant
Crown materials
Crowns can be made from several materials. Zirconia is a strong, metal-free ceramic that can be shaded to look like natural teeth, which makes it a popular choice. Other options include different ceramics and metal-based crowns. Your dentist will recommend a material based on the tooth’s position, your bite and your preferences.
The process
- The tooth is examined and prepared under local anaesthetic.
- Its shape is recorded so the crown can be made to fit.
- A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final one is made.
- The final crown is fitted, checked and adjusted for a comfortable bite.
Caring for a crown
Crowns can’t decay, but the tooth underneath and the gum around it still can. Brush twice daily, clean between your teeth, and keep up with regular check-ups.
This article is general information and isn’t a substitute for advice from a dentist who has examined you. Treatment suitability is determined after an in-person dental consultation.