Dental Encyclopedia · Prosthetics
Dental Crown
Crown
A dental crown is a restoration that fully covers a tooth damaged by decay, fracture or root canal treatment to restore its shape and function. It is known as a treatment that restores chewing function and appearance by capping the tooth with an artificial crown shaped like a natural tooth.
In plain terms
Put simply, it is a “cap” placed over a badly damaged tooth. The upper part of the tooth is shaped, then a restoration shaped like a natural tooth is placed over it — protecting a cracked or weakened tooth so you can chew with it again.
A crown is used when a filling alone would not provide enough strength — for example when decay is extensive or after root canal treatment. The tooth is reduced by a certain amount, an impression is taken, and the fabricated restoration is bonded in place.
Materials include zirconia, all-ceramic (PFZ), porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) and gold. The choice can vary with the position (front or back tooth), aesthetic requirements and biting force. After root canal treatment, a crown is known to be recommended to help prevent the tooth from fracturing.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
- Q. Do I really need a crown?
- When decay is extensive or a tooth has had root canal treatment, the tooth becomes weaker and carries a risk of fracture, so a crown is known to be recommended in many such cases. Whether it is needed depends on the condition and position of the tooth and how much sound tooth structure remains, so we advise you after examination.
This entry is for general information. Diagnosis and treatment depend on individual conditions.