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Dental Crowns: When You Need One and What to Expect
A crown is a cap that covers and protects a damaged tooth. Learn when crowns are recommended, how they are made and fitted, and how to make them last.
Quick answer
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a weak or damaged tooth to restore its strength, shape and appearance. Crowns are often recommended after root canal treatment on back teeth, for large fillings, cracked or broken teeth, or badly worn teeth. Fitting a crown usually takes two visits, and good brushing, cleaning between teeth and check-ups help it last for many years.
In this article
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling alone, a crown can protect what remains and let you chew normally again.
When is a crown recommended?
- After root canal treatment, especially on back teeth
- A tooth with a very large filling and little natural tooth left
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Severely worn teeth, for example from grinding
- To support a dental bridge
Types of crown
- All-ceramic or porcelain: natural-looking, often used for front teeth
- Porcelain fused to metal: strong with a tooth-coloured surface
- Zirconia: very strong, tooth-coloured, suitable for back teeth
- Metal (including gold alloys): very durable, mainly for back teeth
Your dentist will explain which suits your tooth and bite.
What happens
First visit
- The tooth is numbed and shaped to make room for the crown.
- An impression or digital scan is taken.
- A temporary crown is fitted.
Second visit
- The temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is checked for fit, bite and colour.
- The crown is cemented in place.
Caring for your crown
- Brush twice a day and clean between teeth, especially where the crown meets the gum.
- Avoid biting very hard foods, ice or using teeth to open things.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Keep up with regular check-ups.
When to contact your dentist
- The temporary crown comes off
- The crown feels loose or high
- Pain, swelling or gum soreness around the crown
Frequently asked questions
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed during preparation. Some mild sensitivity afterwards is common and settles.
Can a tooth with a crown still get decay?
Yes, at the edge where the crown meets the tooth. Good cleaning and check-ups help prevent this.