Think of a crown as a new outer shell for a damaged tooth. It is built to the tooth’s shape and bonded over what remains, helping restore its size and strength so the tooth can be used for everyday chewing. Patients in Essex can have a tooth assessed for a crown at Essex Dental Centre, 14 Gosfield Townline E.
Reasons a dentist may recommend a crown
- A large old filling has started to fail or has broken away.
- A tooth has fractured, or a crack causes pain on biting.
- A molar or premolar has been through root canal treatment.
- Years of grinding have worn a tooth down.
- A single missing tooth is being replaced with an implant, which needs a crown on top.
A crown is not the answer for every problem. For a smaller area of damage, a filling may do the job, and your dentist will walk you through the choices.
Crowns on dental implants
When a tooth is missing, an implant post set in the jawbone takes the place of the root, and a crown fixed to that post becomes the part you see and chew with. The implant crown is designed to line up with its neighbours in shape and shade. Crowns also act as the anchors of a bridge, holding a replacement tooth in the gap between them. To learn how implant treatment works from start to finish, see our page on dental implants in Essex.
The crown process, step by step
- Assessment: an exam, with X-rays where needed, shows the condition of the root and the surrounding bone.
- Preparing the tooth: after local anaesthetic, decay is removed and the tooth is reduced slightly on every side.
- Recording the shape: an impression is taken of the prepared tooth and the teeth that bite against it, so the crown can be made to fit.
- Protection in between: a temporary crown may be placed to cover the tooth until the final one is ready.
- Fitting: the final crown is tried in, the contact points and bite are fine-tuned, and it is bonded into place.
Your dentist will let you know how many appointments your crown needs.
Keeping a crown in good shape
Brush twice a day with a soft brush, tilting the bristles toward the spot where crown and tooth meet. Floss or use small interdental brushes daily, since decay tends to begin at that edge. Avoid opening packages with your teeth or cracking hard shells. If you clench or grind, mention it at your next check-up. A well-kept crown can serve for many years, although no dental work is permanent.
Dental crowns at our Essex, Ontario office
You can find us at 14 Gosfield Townline E, Essex, ON N8M 2R5. The team cares for children and adults from across Windsor-Essex, and new patients are welcome. If a crown has come loose, cracked or feels uncomfortable, or you would like a worn tooth looked at, call (519) 776-7319 or send us a message.
Frequently asked questions
My crown came off. What should I do?
Keep the crown somewhere safe and phone the office as soon as you can. Chew on the other side in the meantime, and do not try to glue it back with household products. The dentist will check whether the crown and the tooth beneath it can be reused.
How long can a tooth go without a crown after a root canal?
There is no safe fixed window. A temporary filling is not designed to protect the tooth for long, and a weakened back tooth can crack. Follow the timing your dentist gives you.
Will a crown match my other teeth?
Tooth-coloured crowns can be tinted to blend in with the teeth next to them. Your dentist will go over which material and shade suit that particular tooth.
Can a tooth with a crown still get a cavity?
Yes. The cap is not affected by decay, but the tooth under it can be, usually starting where the crown meets the gum. Daily brushing and flossing plus regular check-ups help catch trouble early.
Book a crown assessment in Essex
Call (519) 776-7319 or use the Essex Dental Centre contact page to arrange an appointment.