A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often recommended after a root canal, to protect a tooth with a large filling, to restore a cracked or worn tooth, or to cover a dental implant.
Crowns can be made from several materials, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and all-ceramic options that closely match natural teeth. Your dentist will recommend the material best suited to the tooth's location and function.
Placing a crown usually takes more than one visit: the tooth is shaped to receive the crown, an impression or digital scan is taken, and the finished crown is cemented into place at a later appointment, with a temporary crown worn in the meantime. A bridge — which uses crowns on the teeth on either side of a gap to support a replacement tooth — is another way crowns can restore a complete, functional smile. With good care, crowns can last many years.