Crowns are restorations that cover and protect damaged teeth. Crowns may be placed on teeth that are broken, stained, poorly shaped, misaligned or heavily damaged from cavities or a root canal. When these teeth are highly visible, the best option is using a tooth-colored porcelain crown that is custom made by a dental laboratory, also requiring two dental appointments.
During the first appointment, the tooth is reduced down and reshaped to prepare for the crown under local anesthetic. An impression will be made of the newly prepared tooth and sent to the laboratory to have it custom made. A temporary crown will be placed on the tooth while you wait for your permanent crown.
When the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown will be removed and the permanent crown will be placed using a strong dental cement. With proper care, your porcelain crown should last you years.