When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?

Coverage versus filling

A filling replaces a limited amount of lost tooth structure. A crown covers the tooth, distributing forces across the whole surface. The choice generally depends on how much sound structure remains and how the tooth is loaded when you chew.

Common reasons a crown is discussed

A crown may be considered when:

• A large portion of the tooth has been lost to decay or fracture
• An existing large restoration is failing
• A tooth is cracked and needs to be held together
• A tooth has been treated endodontically and is at risk of fracture

What the process usually looks like

The tooth is prepared, records are taken, and a crown is fabricated to fit the prepared surface and oppose the bite correctly. Depending on the method used, a temporary restoration may be worn between visits.

Living with a crown

A crowned tooth still relies on the gum and bone around it, so it needs the same daily care as any other tooth. The margin where crown meets tooth is a common place for problems to start, which is why routine examination matters.