The visible part of the tooth that normally protrudes above the gum line. A dental crown is also the name for the artificial replacement placed over a dental implant or the remaining structure of a natural tooth, most often because of a fracture or tooth decay. Dental crowns are sometimes called caps; they restore the structure, size, shape, function, and appearance of a normal tooth. A crown is required when there is not enough tooth structure remaining to hold onto a filling or when a weak tooth needs additional support. If there is insufficient tooth structure to hold a crown, typically after root canal treatment, a post may be cemented into the root to provide sufficient structure to hold the crown. Crowns may also be used when a tooth is cracked to hold the tooth together and seal the cracks. Other uses of a crown include the need to attach a dental bridge, to guard against cracking when teeth are weakened, or as a cosmetic solution when teeth are misshapen or discolored. The purpose of a crown is to replace the structure of a tooth, to improve the appearance of a tooth or teeth, or to replace missing teeth with a dental bridge, including a pontic (a false tooth attached to one or more crowns). The purpose of a crown is to replace the structure of a tooth, to improve the appearance of a tooth or teeth, or to replace missing teeth with a dental bridge, including a pontic (a false tooth attached to one or more crowns).
Dental restoration made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, stainless steel, gold alloy, and other base metal alloys. The crown usually covers the tooth from the occlusal surface to the gingival margin.
A synthetic substitute employed to restore the uppermost part of a decayed, discolored, or fractured tooth. For anterior teeth, a porcelain crown is typically utilized, while posterior teeth necessitate the heightened durability of a gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown.
A synthetic substitute employed to restore the uppermost part of a decayed, discolored, or fractured tooth. For anterior teeth, a porcelain crown is typically utilized, while posterior teeth necessitate the heightened durability of a gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown.
The installation of a dental crown involves shaping the tooth into a peg-like structure and affixing the crown securely on top through cementation. In cases where a tooth is severely decayed or weakened, the natural crown may need to be removed, followed by root canal treatment, after which an artificial crown is placed on a post that is cemented within the root canal. For comprehensive information on the process of crown fitting, please refer to the accompanying illustrated section.