Dental Crowns and Caps in St. Catharine's, ON
A dental crown is attached to the tooth after a bit of the enamel is removed. If your teeth are damaged or have cosmetic issues that need to be corrected, crowns from Monarch Dentistry professionals in Ontario may be recommended.
Why Do I Need a Crown?
Your dentist may recommend a dental crown for your teeth to accomplish any of the following:
- Replace old or damaged fillings
- Protect teeth from breaks and fractures
- Attach partials and bridges onto teeth
- Restore the beauty and function of teeth
- Cover dental implants when they have been installed
- Hide any discoloration in teeth
- Protect teeth after a root canal has been performed
How Does A Crown Work?
A crown is usually installed in two visits to your dental professional. During the first appointment, your dentist will examine the tooth to determine the severity of your dental issues and whether or not a crown can be supported. If a crown can be applied, the tooth will be shaven down so that the crown can fit onto it securely.
Once the tooth has been filed, an impression of your teeth will be used to create the crown, and your dentist may provide you with a temporary crown. The temporary crown protects the tooth and prepares you for the feel of your new crown. Once the crown is completed, it will be applied at your second appointment.
The temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be fitted to make sure that it fits into the mouth and onto the tooth correctly. If the tooth needs any adjustments, your dentist will make these corrections and then bond the crown to your tooth. Bonding it to the tooth keeps it from slipping out of place of falling off of the tooth. Your crown will feel odd at first, but soon it will feel just like one of your natural teeth.
Learn more about What are Dental Crowns and Caps Used for? Your Monarch Dentistry dental expert in Ontario can help your oral health by providing dental crowns for your teeth. To schedule an appointment, visit our office or give us a call.
FAQs
A dental crown, also called a tooth crown or tooth cap, is a custom-made “cap” that fully covers a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance.
You might need a crown if you have:
- a cracked, broken, or severely worn-down tooth,
- a large filling that compromises tooth structure,
- a tooth after a root canal treatment,
- a discolored or misshapen tooth needing cosmetic improvement,
- a missing tooth restored with an implant or bridge, where the crown serves as the visible replacement.
Common crown materials include: all-ceramic or porcelain (for a natural tooth-like appearance), porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and metal (e.g., gold or alloy).
Porcelain/ceramic crowns are often chosen for visible teeth because of aesthetics; metal or PFM crowns can offer greater durability and strength, especially for molars.
Typically, crown placement requires two visits:
- At the initial appointment, the dentist shapes the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel, captures an impression or digital image, and fits a temporary crown to safeguard the area.
- In the second visit, the permanent crown is fabricated and bonded to the prepared tooth, ensuring fit, comfort, and proper bite.
Getting a crown is usually not painful. The dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia before preparing the tooth. You may notice some mild sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, but it usually fades within a few days.
Most crowns last 5 to 15 years, sometimes longer when supported by consistent oral hygiene and professional checkups. Their longevity depends on factors like the material used, the position of the tooth, how forcefully you bite or chew, and whether you avoid habits like grinding teeth or chewing extremely hard items.
Treat your crowned tooth like a natural tooth: for a healthy smile, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and follow your dentist’s advice about using mouthwash. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods like nuts, ice, or taffy, and make sure to see your dentist regularly to keep your dentures in great shape. If you grind your teeth at night, consider a night guard to protect your crown.