WHAT IS A CROWN PROCEDURE?
A crown is a restoration that covers, or “caps”, a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won’t solve the problem. Crowns are also used to restore a tooth when there isn’t enough of the tooth remaining to provide support for a large filling, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth or cover badly shaped or discoloured teeth.
THE CROWN PROCEDURE (usually done in 2 appointments)
Preparation: the tooth is reduced on all 4 sides plus the top in order to make room for the crown. An impression of the tooth is taken, a temporary crown is made. The temporary crown will stay on for 1-2 weeks until the final crown is seated. The crown will be made on a model in a LAB (this is the reason for the 2 appointments).
The seating: the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted onto the tooth. This normally involves some adjustments, and then the crown is cemented onto the tooth.
HOW LONG DO CROWNS LAST?
Crown should last approximately five to eight years. However, with good oral hygiene and supervision, most crowns will last for a much longer period of time. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice etc. may cause this period of time to decrease significantly.