Crowns & restorations
Dental crowns and restorations for damaged teeth
When a tooth is broken, cracked, heavily filled or weakened by a root canal, a restoration rebuilds its shape and protects what's left. Restorative dentistry is one of Dr. Gogani's special interests. Here's how to understand your options, from a simple filling to a crown or bridge.
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- Led by Dr. Farid Gogani, DDS
When a tooth needs to be restored
Teeth are strong, but they aren't indestructible. Decay, accidents, grinding and years of chewing can all take a toll. A restoration may be recommended when:
- A tooth is broken or chipped, from biting something hard, a fall or a sports injury
- A tooth is cracked and hurts when you bite or release
- A large filling is failing or there's not enough tooth left to hold a new one
- A tooth has had a root canal, especially a back tooth that takes heavy chewing forces
- Teeth are badly worn from grinding or acid erosion
- A tooth is missing and the gap needs to be filled
The goal of any restoration is the same: restore comfortable chewing, protect the tooth from further damage, and give it a natural appearance.
Choosing the right restoration
The best option depends on how much healthy tooth remains, where the tooth is in your mouth, and your bite. As a general rule, the dentist will recommend the most conservative option that will do the job well.
| Restoration | What it does | Often used when |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | Fills a cavity or small defect inside the tooth. | Damage is small to moderate and plenty of tooth remains. |
| Bonding | Tooth-colored resin added to repair a chip or edge. | A small chip, mainly for appearance. |
| Inlay or onlay | A custom-made piece that replaces part of the chewing surface. | Too much is missing for a filling, but a full crown isn't needed. |
| Crown | Covers the whole visible tooth. | The tooth is cracked, heavily filled, badly worn or has had a root canal. |
| Bridge | Replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to neighboring teeth. | A tooth is missing and the teeth on either side could benefit from crowns. |
| Implant crown | A crown attached to a dental implant. | A tooth is missing and you're a candidate for implants. |
What is a dental crown?
A crown, sometimes called a cap, is a custom-made covering that fits over the entire visible part of a tooth above the gumline. It holds a weakened tooth together, restores its shape and size, and lets you chew normally again. Crowns can also be designed to improve the color and shape of a tooth.
Why crowns are recommended after root canals
A tooth that has had root canal treatment has often lost a significant amount of structure to the original decay or fracture, and access for the treatment. Back teeth in particular take heavy chewing forces and are at higher risk of breaking afterward. A crown helps protect them. Front teeth with less damage may sometimes be restored with a filling instead; the dentist will advise based on your tooth.
Cracked teeth
A crack can cause sharp pain when biting or when releasing a bite, or sensitivity to cold. Cracks can spread over time. A crown holds the tooth together and can help prevent a crack from getting worse. If the crack has reached the nerve, a root canal may also be needed. Some cracks extend below the gumline or split the root, in which case the tooth may not be able to be saved.
What to expect: the crown process
Getting a crown commonly takes two visits, though the process can vary.
- Visit 1
Exam and preparation
The dentist examines the tooth, often with an X-ray, and numbs the area. Any decay is removed, and the tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it. If a lot of the tooth is missing, it may first be built up with filling material.
- Visit 1
Impressions and a temporary crown
An impression or digital scan records the shape of the prepared tooth and your bite. The shade is matched to your neighboring teeth. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the permanent one is made.
- Visit 2
Fitting the permanent crown
The temporary is removed and the permanent crown is checked for fit, bite and appearance. Once everything is right, it's cemented or bonded in place.
Looking after a temporary crown
Temporary crowns are held with weaker cement so they can be removed easily. Avoid sticky foods like caramel and gum, chew on the other side when you can, and slide floss out sideways rather than pulling it up. If the temporary comes off, keep it and call us.
Crown materials
Crowns can be made from several types of material, each with different strengths. The dentist will recommend a material based on the tooth's location, your bite, how much the crown will show, and whether you grind your teeth.
Natural-looking and tooth-colored. Often chosen for front teeth where appearance matters most.
A metal base for strength with porcelain on the outside for a tooth-colored look.
Very durable and need less tooth reduction, but they don't look like natural teeth.
Ask the dentist to explain the pros and cons of each for your tooth.
Bridges: replacing a missing tooth with crowns
A traditional bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Crowns are placed on the teeth on each side of the gap (called abutment teeth), and a false tooth is attached between them, creating one fixed unit that you don't remove.
Bridges don't require surgery and are often completed in a few weeks. The trade-off is that the neighboring teeth need to be reshaped for crowns, and cleaning under the false tooth takes a little extra effort with a floss threader or interdental brush. Where the neighboring teeth are healthy and unrestored, an implant may be worth comparing.
Caring for crowns and restorations
A crown itself can't decay, but the tooth underneath can, particularly at the edge where the crown meets the tooth. Good care helps restorations last:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the gumline around the crown.
- Clean between teeth daily, and under any bridge with a floss threader or interdental brush.
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, pens or fingernails, which can chip porcelain.
- Wear a night guard if you clench or grind.
- Keep up with checkups so the dentist can check the edges and your bite.
Call us if a crown feels loose, your bite suddenly feels different, or the tooth becomes painful or sensitive. If a crown comes off completely, keep it and see our lost crown steps.
Restorative dentistry
Rebuilding teeth to last
Much of Dr. Gogani's early research at the University of Gothenburg involved modern restorative techniques, and restorative dentistry remains one of his special interests. The aim is always a restoration that fits well, feels natural in your bite, and lasts.
If you've broken a tooth tonight, start with an emergency visit. We'll protect the tooth first and then plan the permanent restoration with you.
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Questions patients ask
Crown and restoration questions
Still have a question? Call 1-855-759-0782 and talk it through with our team.
When is a crown needed instead of a filling?
A filling works well when enough healthy tooth remains to support it. When a tooth is cracked, very heavily filled, badly worn or has had a root canal, a crown may be recommended because it covers and protects the whole visible part of the tooth.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth and surrounding gum are numbed with local anesthetic before preparation, so most people feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Some sensitivity or gum tenderness for a few days afterward is common.
How long does a crown last?
Crowns often last many years, but how long depends on the material, your bite, whether you grind your teeth, and how well you care for the tooth underneath. The tooth under a crown can still decay at the edges, so brushing, cleaning between teeth and regular checkups remain important.
What should I do if my crown falls off?
Keep the crown and call us. Avoid chewing on that side. A small amount of over-the-counter temporary dental cement can hold it in place for a short time, but don't use household glue. The tooth underneath may be sensitive and needs to be checked.
Why do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth that have had root canal treatment can become more brittle and are at higher risk of breaking under chewing forces. A crown helps protect the tooth. Whether you need one depends on the tooth's location and how much natural structure remains.
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap, or on implants. It is fixed in place, unlike a removable partial denture.
Broken tooth or failing filling?
Call to describe what happened. We'll help protect the tooth and explain your restoration options.