Crowns (caps)

What is a crown?

Crowns are an ideal way to rebuild teeth which have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. The crown completely covers and protects the tooth underneath and restores it to its proper shape and size. Crowns are also used to change the shape of teeth - if you have large gaps between your teeth, your teeth are out of alignment, your teeth discoloured or your teeth are crooked, then crowns could be for you.

Why would I need a crown?

There are a number of reasons:

• the tooth may have been weakened by having a very large filling
• you may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth
• you may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it
• you may have had an accident and damaged the tooth
• you may have mis-placed teeth and wish to improve your smile and appearance.

What are crowns made of?

Crowns are made of a variety of materials and new materials are being introduced all the time. Here are some of the options available at present:

• All ceramic: pressable ceramic crowns provide impressive aesthetic results – materials that look totally natural and closely blend with the surrounding teeth. Pressable crowns are biocompatible with your soft tissues and very strong.
• Gold bonded crown: tooth coloured porcelain bonded to a gold core for strength.
• Full gold crown: all gold crown, normally only placed on molar teeth.

Does it hurt to have a tooth prepared for a crown?

No. A local anaesthetic is used and the preparation should feel no different from a filling. If the tooth does not have a nerve, and a post crown is being prepared, then local anaesthetic may not be needed.

Are post crowns different?

Post crowns may be used when the tooth has been root filled or has broken down to gum level. The dentist makes a double-ended ‘post’ to fit into the root canal. This can be either prefabricated stainless steel or custom made of gold. One end of the post is cemented into the root canal, and the other end holds the crown firmly in place.

Are there any alternatives to post crowns for root-filled teeth?

If a root-filled tooth is not completely broken down, it may be possible to build it up again using filling material. This core is then prepared in the same way as a natural tooth and the impressions are taken.

Is there an alternative to a crown?

A veneer may be an alternative to having an anterior crown. Graeme will advise you of any suitable alternatives.

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