A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are one of the most common restorative procedures in dentistry and for good reason. They solve problems that fillings alone cannot fix.
You might need a crown if a tooth has a large cavity too extensive for a filling, a crack or fracture that puts the tooth at risk of splitting, significant wear from grinding, or a root canal that has left the tooth brittle. Crowns are also used to cover dental implants and anchor dental bridges.
Modern crowns are typically made from porcelain, zirconia, or a combination of materials that closely match the color and translucency of natural teeth. In many practices, same-day crowns are now possible using CAD/CAM technology. The tooth is prepared, scanned digitally, and the crown is milled on-site and placed in a single visit.
The procedure involves reshaping the tooth slightly to create space for the crown, taking a digital scan, and placing a temporary crown while the permanent one is fabricated. Once ready, the permanent crown is cemented in place and adjusted for fit and bite.
With proper care, crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Avoiding hard foods, wearing a night guard if you grind, and maintaining good oral hygiene all contribute to longevity. Learn more about what is involved on our dental crowns page or schedule a consultation with our Fort Mill team.
