While dental fillings can provide an excellent way to repair a decayed or damaged tooth, they don’t always provide the right solution for rebuilding a strong, functional one. When too much tooth structure is compromised by dental decay, trauma, root canals, or habitual clenching and grinding, a filling just won’t do.  In these situations, a dental crown, more commonly referred to as a cap, provides a better way to restore the involved tooth's integrity, function, and appearance.

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A crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" which is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth.  Aside from restoring the tooth's shape and size, a crown provides strength and improves the tooth's appearance.  Additionally, crowns are used on top of a dental implant to add function, structure and a tooth-like shape.

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There are several different materials used in crowns:

• porcelain

• ceramic

• zirconia

• metal

• composite resin

• a combination of materials

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When selecting the material for your crown, your dentist will consider factors such as:

• your tooth’s location

• how much of the tooth will show when you smile

• position of your gum tissue

• function of the tooth that needs the crown

• how much natural tooth is remaining

• color of the surrounding teeth

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