Most people will experience damage to the surface (enamel) of their teeth at some point. Teeth become cracked, chipped or discolored due to a large range of causes, from severe trauma to the natural effects of day to day wear.

When decay or damage to the surface of a tooth becomes significant, the tooth can be reduced and a custom-made tooth bonded to its surface. This artificial tooth is called a "crown." Crowns are also often used to anchor bridges — structures that replace missing teeth.

When damage to the tooth extends to the foundation (root) of the tooth, a bridge or dental implant may be a better solution. Dr. Ashpole will discuss your options for restorations with you after an initial examination.

Crowns are most commonly made of porcelain or porcelain bonded to metal (usually gold). Crowns are fashioned in a dental laboratory by trained technicians to provide the same strength and appearance as a healthy tooth.

Procedure

First, Dr. Ashpole will remove any decay and shape your tooth to receive a crown. The crown must be thick enough to withstand chewing, which means that the natural tooth below the crown must be reduced.

She will then take an impression of your tooth and note how your teeth fit together. You will then be fitted with a temporary crown while the permanent one is constructed in a dental lab. Certified dental technicians are able to make crowns that fit perfectly with your bite, and look like natural teeth. They will match the color of the crown to your own natural tooth color.

On a second visit, your temporary crown will be taken off and the fit of the new crown carefully checked. The final crown is then cemented in place, restoring the tooth to its natural strength, appearance and function.