Crowns are a popular way to repair and restore a tooth that has become damaged in some way. Sitting over the top of the natural tooth, the crown acts as a kind of ‘cap’ for the tooth, repairing the damaged tooth and further protecting it from any future damage.
It’s important to always restore natural teeth when they have become damaged or decayed in some way. This is to help us maintain and protect the natural tooth for as long as possible, and prevent further interventionist treatments, such as tooth replacement, from being necessary for the future.
Most damage of this nature is usually a result of tooth decay, but it can also be caused by an injury or simple wear and tear. Other reasons for needing a crown include support and supplementing other treatments. This could be the final stage of a root canal treatment, or as part of the application of a bridge to close a gap in the smile.
Crowns have historically often been made from a precious metal such as gold. More recently, we have been able to make crowns from materials that fit in much more naturally with the rest of the mouth, while also being durable and long-lasting. These include porcelain, ceramic, and Zirconia, all of which are tooth-coloured and offer patients a highly aesthetically-pleasing finish.
Crowns are usually placed over two appointments:
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