A dental crown is a cap that your cosmetic dentist places over your tooth. A dental crown look and feel the same as your natural tooth.

2. Why would I need dental crowns?

Dental crowns are used to solve a number of problems, both functional and aesthetic. Crowns can be used to restore a chipped or cracked tooth, to cover a dental implant, or to hold a dental bridge in place. A dental crown may also be used to restore your tooth to the proper size, strength, or just to improve its appearance.

3. What does the procedure involve?

A dental crown is usually placed in just two visits to our cosmetic dentistry office. During your first visit, our dentist examines and prepares your tooth. This may involve X-rays to ensure your roots and the underlying jaw area are healthy. To prepare your tooth for the crown, our dentist will file the surface and sides of your tooth. Next, he makes impressions of your tooth. The permanent crown will be designed based on these impressions. Our dentist will place a temporary crown before you leave. You will come back for a second visit in two to three weeks to place your permanent crowns.

4. How do I care for my temporary dental crown?

Caring for your temporary dental crown is not difficult, it just requires a few precautions. Our dentist suggests you avoid sticky, chewy foods. These could pull the crown your tooth. Concentrate on not chewing with the side of your mouth that has the temporary crows. You will also need to be very careful when flossing, as you could lift the crown out of place.

5. Does the permanent dental crown require any special care?

Although the crown itself does not require any special care, the underlying tooth still has the potential for decay or gum disease. In order to protect the underlying tooth, you need to exercise good oral hygiene. This includes flossing and brushing daily, as well as regular visits to your dentist.

6. What are onlays?

Onlays are variation of dental crowns. The regular crowns, described above, cover the entire tooth. Onlays cover less, usually around half, of the natural tooth.

7. How long will dental crowns last?

Typically, dental crowns last between five and fifteen years depending on care and regular office visits.

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