A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits completely over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring it to its original shape, size, and function. Crowns are recommended when a tooth has damage too extensive to be repaired with a filling alone.
Common reasons a crown may be needed:
- Severely decayed teeth: When decay has destroyed too much of the tooth structure for a filling to hold.
- Cracked or fractured teeth: A crown holds a cracked tooth together, preventing the crack from spreading and relieving pain.
- Broken or worn-down teeth: Teeth broken from injury or ground down over time can be fully restored.
- After a root canal: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are more brittle and vulnerable — a crown protects and strengthens them.
- Large, failing fillings: When an old filling breaks down or the surrounding tooth structure weakens, a crown provides a more durable long-term solution.
- Cosmetic improvement: Severely discolored, misshapen, or disproportionate teeth can be transformed with a crown for a natural, uniform appearance.
