Dental Crowns Explained: What You Need to Know

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, the most common type of dental restoration is a single dental crown. Dentists use crowns in various treatment scenarios to protect and restore teeth. Crowns can safeguard vulnerable teeth from further decay, cover damaged teeth, or seal deep fillings. They also play a key role in completing dental implants or restoring teeth that have undergone root canal therapy.Working closely with a dental lab and the patient, dentists craft custom dental crowns designed to precisely fit and restore a tooth’s natural shape, size, and function—often bringing it back to near-perfect condition.

How Dental Bridges Work with Dental Crowns

It’s common for patients to receive dental crowns as part of a dental bridge restoration. According to WebMD, dental bridges are used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. When a single tooth is missing, dentists can restore the area by creating a custom dental appliance anchored to the two adjacent teeth, known as abutment teeth.To secure the bridge, the dentist reshapes these neighboring teeth by removing some of the enamel. Then, dental crowns are placed over the abutment teeth, which connect to the artificial tooth (called a pontic) that fills the gap in the bridge. This combination provides a stable, natural-looking solution to restore both function and appearance.

Why Patients Choose Dental Crowns

Many patients opt for dental crowns to protect a damaged or decayed tooth from further deterioration and to preserve an attractive smile. Crowns provide a durable barrier that helps prevent tooth loss, which can otherwise lead to more serious oral health issues and costly dental treatments. Additionally, dental crowns help maintain a proper bite alignment and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, supporting overall oral function and comfort.

Receiving a Dental Crown Step-by-Step

It may take a few appointments for a patient to receive a crown. In many cases, the dental crown procedure is part of another dental treatment plan, such as a root canal. Here is the step-by-step process for getting a dental crown:

• Before the Crown. The dentist treats any problems before starting the dental crown creation process. Any infections or cavities must be addressed or filled. Sometimes, an old crown needs replacement. In this case, the dentist will remove the remnants first.
• Preparation. Next, the dentist must prepare the tooth for the crown. The dentist or another member of our team will shave down the tooth to make room for the crown. Then, the dental staff makes a series of impressions to send to the lab. Some patients receive a temporary crown at the end of this appointment.
• Crown Delivery. Once the crown is ready for delivery, the patient must return to the office for placement. First, the dentist tries on the crown to make sure it feels and looks right in the mouth. If it fits correctly, the dentist uses dental cement to glue it in place permanently.

If you live in Hermosa, Logan Square, Oak Park, or nearby Chicago neighborhoods, our dental office is here to support you with expert preventive care and education every step of the way.