A dental crown is a cap that covers and protects a weak, broken or root-canal-treated tooth. At MDS Dental we mostly use zirconia, which is metal-free, very strong and natural-looking, with no grey line at the gum. A crown usually takes two visits: one to prepare and record the tooth, and one to fit the finished crown.
When do you need a crown?
- After a root canal on a back tooth
- A tooth with a large filling that is cracking
- A broken or badly worn tooth
- To cover a dental implant
- To change the shape or colour of a tooth as part of a smile makeover
Zirconia or metal-ceramic?
Metal-ceramic crowns have a metal inner layer, which can show as a grey line at the gum over time. Zirconia is metal-free, very strong, and lets light through more like a natural tooth, so it suits most back teeth and many front teeth. We recommend the material that fits the tooth, your bite and your budget.
How a crown is made
- Preparing the toothUnder local anaesthesia the tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it.
- RecordingThe prepared tooth is recorded and the shade is matched to your neighbouring teeth. A temporary crown protects it in between.
- Making the crownOur dental lab makes the zirconia crown to the record.
- FittingWe check the fit, the bite and the colour, then cement the crown in place.
Bridges for a missing tooth
A bridge replaces a missing tooth by joining a false tooth to crowns on the teeth either side. It is fixed in place and does not need surgery. The alternative is a dental implant, which does not involve shaping the neighbouring teeth. We explain both so you can choose.
Who will treat you
Dr. Prajakta Sawant (BDS) provides zirconia crowns & bridges at MDS Dental Care & Orthodontics, Badlapur, with more than 10 years of clinical experience.