Dental crown
dental crown · tooth crown · tooth cap · ceramic crown
A crown is an artificial cap placed over a damaged tooth. It protects the tooth and brings back its shape.
When a tooth is badly damaged, after root canal treatment, with a very large filling, or on an implant.
⏱ Duration: usually 2 visits of 1 to 2 hours, 1 to 2 weeks apart
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Treatment. Before a crown, the tooth often needs treatment: root canals are filled and a base is built. Your dentist will tell you the plan.
- X-ray. A tooth X-ray is usually taken to check the roots.
- Food. Eat before your visit. After the numbing shot, eating is hard for a couple of hours.
What to bring
- Dental X-rays, if you had any
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- First visit: you get a numbing shot
- The tooth is carefully shaped so the crown can fit on it
- An impression is taken, or the tooth is scanned with a camera
- The crown color is matched to your teeth
- A temporary crown is put on while the real one is made
- Second visit: the crown is tried on and your bite is checked
- The crown is fixed in place with special cement
What you'll feel
- After the numbing shot: only pressure and vibration
- If it hurts, tell the dentist. You will get more numbing medicine
- The impression material may taste unpleasant. It does not last long
Afterwards
- Numbness wears off in 2 to 3 hours. It is better not to eat until then
- With a temporary crown, do not chew sticky or hard food on that side
- For a few days the tooth may react to cold and hot
- If the crown gets in the way when you bite, come back for an adjustment
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Strong swelling of the cheek or face, or a fever
- Strong pain that gets worse and does not ease with pain medicine
Common questions
Which crown should I choose?
Metal-ceramic crowns are strong and cost less. Ceramic and zirconia crowns look more natural. Your dentist will advise what is best for your tooth.
What if my temporary crown falls out?
Keep it and call your dentist. It will be put back. Without it, the tooth may shift or hurt.