Dental Crown

A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers and protects the visible portion of a tooth. Crowns are commonly used when a tooth has lost too much structure for a filling alone, has fractured, has a large existing restoration or needs protection after certain root canal treatments.

When is a dental crown recommended?

A crown may be considered when a tooth is weakened by decay, a large filling or a crack, when a broken tooth needs to be rebuilt or when a tooth has undergone root canal treatment and needs additional protection. Crowns can also be used to restore a dental implant or to improve the shape and appearance of a tooth when a more conservative option is not appropriate.

What happens during the crown process?

Dr. Sharma first evaluates the tooth to determine whether it is restorable and whether a crown is the right treatment. The tooth is then shaped to create room for the restoration. An impression or digital scan is used to design the crown and a temporary restoration may be placed while the final crown is being made.

At the delivery visit, the fit, bite and appearance are checked before the crown is bonded or cemented in place. The exact sequence depends on the tooth, the material and the laboratory workflow.

What materials are used for crowns?

Crowns can be made from different ceramics, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal or metal alloys. The best choice depends on the location of the tooth, bite forces, available tooth structure, appearance and other clinical factors. There is no single material that is best for every tooth.

How long does a crown last?

No crown lasts forever and longevity varies. Oral hygiene, bite forces, grinding or clenching, diet, the condition of the underlying tooth and the quality of the fit all matter. A crown can still develop decay at its margin, so brushing, cleaning between the teeth and regular examinations remain important.

Does every cracked or heavily filled tooth need a crown?

No. Some teeth can be treated with a filling, bonded restoration or onlay. Other teeth may be too compromised to predictably restore. The goal is to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while choosing a restoration that can tolerate the forces placed on it.

Dental crowns in Palo Alto

If you have a fractured tooth, a failing large filling or a tooth that has had root canal treatment, Dr. Sharma can evaluate whether a crown or a more conservative restoration makes sense.

Request an appointment to discuss your options.