Crowns, also known as caps, are placed over a tooth to restore its functionality and appearance, often following a restorative procedure like a root canal. We may also recommend a crown in cases where a tooth has become so decayed that large portions of it must be removed.

In still other cases, crowns are used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or to replace an existing filling that is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also have an aesthetic purpose. They’re applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.

Dental crowns come in a wide variety of materials from porcelain to metal and porcelain blends and even gold. The type of material that will work best for each patient depends upon bite, oral health, and patient smile.