Crowns & Bridges

A Crown (often called a cap) is an artificial cover that restores a decayed or damaged tooth to its normal shape and size. It is useful for protecting the structure of a tooth that is cracked or broken. A crown can also be used to change the shape of the tooth, to correct a bite or cosmetic problem, or to replace existing broken or poor-fitting crowns. A crown may be of gold, other metals, or porcelain.

Your dentist prepares your damaged tooth for a crown by reducing and reshaping the tooth so the crown will fit properly. Then an impression of the prepared tooth and of the surrounding and opposing teeth is taken. Before you leave the office, your dentist makes and applies a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth between visits.

Your dentist sends the impression to a dental laboratory that specializes in making crowns. Expect to wait two to three weeks between appointments while your crown is being made. Meanwhile, take care of your temporary crown by avoiding hard or sticky foods. Floss carefully around the temporary by pull-ing the flow out from the side of the tooth - not the top. If the crown becomes loose, call your dentist, so the prepared tooth won't be damaged.

View some before & after photo gallery of crown & bridge patients.