Tooth with advanced decay
Why you need them:
Crowns (sometimes referred to as caps) are used to cover teeth that have been weakened by decay around fillings or that are severely damaged, decayed, chipped, discolored or misaligned. Crowns may also be required after a root canal or when a tooth cracks or breaks. The most common materials used for crowns are metal (gold), porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal. It normally takes 2 visits to complete this procedure. Crowns can last from five to more than fifteen years, depending upon the material used and the care you give your teeth.
The dentist removes the decay and shapes the tooth into a base for the crown. An impression is made so that the crown will be an exact fit. Then a temporary crown is placed over the bare tooth.
On your return visit, the temporary crown is removed and the new custom-made crown is cemented to the tooth. Crowns for severely damaged teeth may require a post for additional support.