Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is too broken down to be restored with a filling. They are most commonly done after a root canal or when a large filling wears out. The larger the hole made by a cavity, the more likely a crown may be needed. The jaw muscles are some of the strongest in the human body, and actually have a serious effect on the health of your teeth. Every day, your teeth are subjected to tremendous pressure from your jaws. When teeth are weakened due to cavities or cracking, a crown covers the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breakage. Crowns prevent broken teeth and provide an aesthetic result.

It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first, any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in fabricating the crown. Between the two visits the crown is made by a dental laboratory, usually of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or gold. During this time a temporary crown is worn. At the second visit the temporary is removed and the permanent crown is cemented in place.