What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth, covering the tooth to restore its shape, size and strength, and to improve its appearance.

Dental crown video

Watch the video below for more information about dental crowns as well as to view before and after photos of dental crown patients. Also watch the video to find out more information about dental providers and cost of dental crowns abroad in Mexico, India, Costa Rica, Hungary as well as USA.

Dental crown purpose

Dental crowns are used for the following:

  • To restore a broken or worn-down tooth
  • To cover and support a tooth
  • To give esthetics to a mis-shaped or discolored tooth
  • To hold a dental bridge in place
  • To cover a dental implant
  • Dental crowns can be used on an individual tooth basis to address single tooth problems or a few teeth at a time or they can be part of an elaborate dental treatment like full-mouth reconstruction/full-mouth restoration.

Materials used for permanent dental crowns

Permanent crowns can be made from:

  • all-metal
  • metal-free
  • porcelain
  • porcelain-fused-to-metal or PFM
  • all-resin
  • all-ceramic or others

Process of dental crowning

Dental crowning involves 2 visits to the dentist. In the first visit the dentist examines and prepares the tooth or teeth to be crowned. In the second visit the permanent crown is fitted into place in the patient’s mouth. Here’s a detailed explanation of both the visits:

1st visit:

  • X-Rays of the affected tooth/teeth and surrounding bone are taken
  • Reshaping the affected tooth/teeth is done to make room for the crown
  • Impressions of the affected and surrounding teeth are made and the shades of the neighboring teeth are also recorded
  • Customized crowns are then manufactured in a laboratory from these impressions and shades using the required dental crown material
  • Temporary crowns are cemented in place until the permanent ones are ready within 2-3 weeks

2nd visit:

  • The temporary crown/crowns are removed
  • The tooth/teeth to be crowned are numbed with local anesthesia
  • Permanent dental crowns are fixed in the patient’s mouth with cement

Dental care hygiene following dental crowning

  • Dental crowns may last from 5 to 15 years. Longer life of dental crowns can be ensured if you follow good oral hygiene practices
  • In general, teeth capped with dental crowns require the same care as natural teeth do
  • You must brush your teeth at least twice a day
  • You must floss at least once a day especially around the crown area

Cost of dental crowns

For a FREE cost estimate for dental crowns at a dental care provider abroad or in the United States visit Healthbase.

Further reading