Crowns are usually used to strengthen the tooth structure. They are used for teeth that have been significantly damaged by tooth decay or are broken. When dentist determines that tooth structure has been too compromised to be restored by conventional filling, crowns are usually recommended.

Unlike a filling, which is restored directly in the tooth, a crown is fabricated indirectly outside the mouth. Dentist first prepares the tooth for a crown, then takes a special tooth impression and sends it to dental laboratory where the final crown is fabricated. This process usually takes 2 weeks and patient gets a temporary crown which gets cemented onto an existing tooth. Dr. Palagi works with best dental laboratories in order to insure that her patients are getting the most durable and highest quality crowns possible. At the insertion visit, Dr. Palagi tries in a permanent crown, adjusts the bite if necessary and makes sure that crown fits properly and is esthetically acceptable by the patient. If all the above criteria are met, the crown gets permanently cemented.

Crowns usually fully cover the portion of the tooth above the gumline and thus essentially become the new outer surface of the tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns best mimic the translucency of natural teeth and therefore are becoming more popular. But every case is different and the type of crown to be used is best determined during a discussion with your dentist.