When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Crowns may be placed on a tooth after a root canal is finished to help strengthen the tooth.
Crowns are usually made of porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials. If made of porcelain the color is matched to you natural tooth color.
Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
Procedures
A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. A cast is made of the existing tooth and an impression is made. The impression is sent to a dental lab, which custom makes the crown. A temporary crown is placed on the tooth until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place.
Caring For Your Crowns and Bridges
With proper care, a good quality crown or bridge can last a long time. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown or bridge to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration.
Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown or bridge, or even damage the it.