Crowns

A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore shape, strength and function. Crowns are typically recommended when a filling cannot reliably protect the remaining tooth structure after large decay, significant fracture or extensive wear. They also serve cosmetic and structural roles when a tooth is badly discolored or misshapen.

By encapsulating the tooth, a crown redistributes biting forces and reduces the risk of further breakage while restoring proper chewing and speech. Crowns can also be used to support bridges or to cap the visible portion of a dental implant. Deciding whether a crown is appropriate depends on a clinical exam, imaging and a discussion of long-term goals for function and appearance.

The decision to place a crown is based on the tooth's remaining structure, the extent of damage or decay, and the tooth's function in the bite. Dentists review radiographs, perform a thorough clinical exam and consider alternatives such as onlays, inlays or conservative restorations when more tooth can be preserved. A history of bruxism, previous root canal therapy and neighboring teeth are also important factors.

Patient goals and aesthetics play a role in treatment planning, so the choice is individualized to balance conservation with durability. When a crown offers a predictable long-term outcome and protects the tooth from future failure, it becomes the preferred option. Your dentist will explain the rationale and expected benefits before moving forward.

Contemporary crown materials include all-ceramic options, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) and metal alloys such as gold. All-ceramic and zirconia crowns are favored for their lifelike translucency and color matching, making them ideal for front teeth, while zirconia and metal-based crowns offer increased fracture resistance for back teeth under heavy biting forces. PFM crowns combine a ceramic veneer with a metal substructure to balance strength and esthetics in high-stress areas.

Material selection depends on the tooth's location, bite dynamics and the patient's aesthetic priorities. Each material has different polishing, shading and laboratory or milling workflows that affect final appearance and fit. Your dentist will recommend the material that best supports both function and a natural-looking smile.

The crown process begins with a comprehensive exam and imaging to address any decay or infection before restoration. The dentist then reshapes the tooth to create space for the crown while preserving as much healthy structure as possible, followed by impressions or digital scans that capture exact tooth and bite relationships. In many cases a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the final restoration is fabricated.

At the final visit the dentist removes the temporary, verifies shade and fit, and bonds or cements the permanent crown with careful adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite. At Brilliant Dental of Salem we prioritize clear communication at each step so you know what to expect and how to care for the restoration. Follow-up visits confirm that the crown is functioning well and that surrounding tissues remain healthy.

Dental crowns are durable restorations that can last many years, but longevity varies based on material choice, oral hygiene and functional stresses like grinding. Properly maintained crowns made from high-quality materials often serve reliably for a decade or longer, while intensive parafunctional habits or poor oral hygiene can shorten that lifespan. The quality of the fit, the health of the underlying tooth and periodontal support also play critical roles.

Regular dental checkups allow early detection of wear, loose margins or recurrent decay that can threaten a crown's longevity. Protective measures such as night guards for bruxism and avoiding hard nonfood items reduce the risk of fracture or dislodgement. Timely repairs and maintenance help extend the useful life of the restoration and preserve the tooth beneath it.

Caring for a crown is much like caring for a natural tooth: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean along the crown margin with floss or interdental cleaners. Removing plaque from the interface between crown and tooth reduces the risk of decay at the margin and helps maintain healthy gums. Avoid chewing hard objects and be cautious with sticky or very tough foods that can stress the restoration.

If you grind or clench, a custom night guard can protect both crowns and natural teeth from excessive forces. Report any sensitivity, looseness or changes in bite to your dentist promptly so adjustments can be made before problems worsen. Regular professional cleanings and exams help detect early signs of wear or deterioration and support long-term success.

Yes. Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are often restored with crowns to protect the remaining tooth structure, provide strength and prevent fracture; sometimes a post and core build-up is used to retain the restoration. The crown restores form and function and seals the tooth against further contamination when properly fitted and cemented. Treatment timing is coordinated to ensure infection is resolved before final restoration.

For implants, a crown is fabricated to attach to the implant abutment and serve as the visible replacement tooth. Implant-supported crowns require careful planning to match occlusion, esthetics and emergence profile so they integrate seamlessly with neighboring teeth. Both clinical situations rely on precise impressions or digital scans and trained laboratory or milling workflows for accurate fit.

Temporary crowns protect the prepared tooth, maintain proper spacing and allow you to function while the final crown is being made. They preserve esthetics and bite relationships and help prevent sensitivity or contamination of the prepared tooth. Temporaries also give the dentist and patient an opportunity to assess comfort and appearance before the permanent restoration is placed.

Care for a temporary crown carefully by avoiding sticky foods and minimizing chewing on that side when possible. If a temporary becomes loose or causes discomfort, contact your dentist promptly to have it adjusted or replaced. Proper temporary protection contributes to a smoother final cementation appointment and better long-term results.

Crowns are matched using shade selection, photographs and, when needed, custom characterization from the dental laboratory or in-office ceramic layering. Modern shade systems and digital imaging capture subtle color variations, translucency and surface texture to create a restoration that blends with adjacent teeth. The dentist considers enamel thickness, surrounding tooth color and lighting conditions to guide the final shade and finish.

The crown is typically tried in before final cementation so minor adjustments to color, contour and contacts can be made for a seamless result. The lab or milling process at Brilliant Dental of Salem uses these records to fabricate restorations that reflect natural light and polish to a lifelike gloss. Final adjustments and polishing at insertion ensure comfortable function and an esthetic match.

Signs that a crown may need repair or replacement include persistent sensitivity, looseness, visible cracks or chips, recurrent decay at the margin, or an uncomfortable bite. Radiographs and a clinical exam help evaluate the integrity of the crown, the condition of the underlying tooth and the health of surrounding tissues. In many cases small chips or marginal wear can be repaired conservatively, while extensive damage or recurrent problems may require replacement.

Evaluation considers the restoration's material, age and overall prognosis for the tooth beneath it, and the dentist will recommend the least invasive option that achieves a reliable outcome. Prompt attention to problems often allows for simpler repairs and prevents more complex treatment later. Regular dental visits enable early detection and timely intervention to protect both the crown and the supporting tooth.