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What is a Crown
A crown (often called a cap) is an artificial tooth made to
completely cover or "cap" a badly decayed or damage tooth. A
crown can restore the shape and size of a tooth, it can strengthen the
tooth, and it can improve the appearance of a tooth.
Why a Crown
A crown is used when the amount
of decay or damage  is
severe. If a tooth has more decay or old filling than it does solid tooth
structure, a crown is needed for strength. As a general rule once there is
more filling than tooth a crown becomes the treatment of choice. If your tooth
already has an old filling that is breaking
down, or has new decay around a large old filling, the tooth is often times
not strong enough to be filled again. A filling needs to have good solid
tooth surrounding it for it to work properly. If there is not enough tooth
to surround a new filling, an onlay or crown is
needed.
Procedure
A crown generally takes two appointments to construct. The
tooth to be treated is numbed with an anesthetic.
Then all of the old filling is removed from the tooth and any new decay
that exists is removed. Often once an old filling and any new decay are
removed, there is very little of the tooth left. The tooth is reduced in
size and shape, and sharp points are reduced so that a crown can fit
completely over it. An impression or mold of the tooth and the opposing
teeth are made. Then a temporary crown is constructed and placed on your
tooth with a temporary adhesive to protect what is left of the tooth.
 
On the second
appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the tooth is
cleaned. The crown is then fitted to your tooth and the bite
is adjusted to make sure it is shaped properly and the fit is
comfortable. The crown is then attached to your tooth with an
adhesive
 
Above is an example of a porcelain crown on a front tooth.
Below is an example of a crown on a back tooth.
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