Dental Crown FAQ

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are a very common, popular solution to repair damaged or unsightly teeth. They take the form of a tooth-shaped ‘hat’ that sits over the problem tooth, encasing it entirely right down to the gum line. Crowns are an ideal way to restore the strength, shape, size and overall appearance of any damaged teeth.
 

What are dental crowns made of?

Crowns can be made from a variety of different materials including metal, porcelain fused to metal and 100% porcelain/ceramic. This means that there is usually at least one type of crown that is suitable for every patient.
 

Why has my dentist recommended a crown?

Crowns are usually only given to adult patients and may be recommended if:
 

• You have a broken or severely worn down tooth.

• You have a cracked tooth that needs to be held together.

• You have a severely weak tooth that is at risk of breaking.

• You are also having a dental bridge,
  as crowns can help hold them in place.

• You have a tooth that requires a larger filling than is possible (usually due to broken/eroded parts of the tooth).

• To cover a dental implant.

• You have a discolored tooth.

• Your tooth is severely misshapen.
   

Occasionally a dentist may recommend a crown for infant/first teeth. This is usually because:
 

• The child has a first tooth that is decayed beyond the treatment of a normal filling and a crown is the best option to protect it.

• The child is, for whatever reason, unable to complete or withstand proper oral care techniques, putting them at a much higher risk of tooth decay and its associated problems.