What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a restoration placed over a prepared tooth. It restores its shape and may protect a weakened or heavily restored tooth. The visible tooth placed on an implant is also called a crown, but the implant underneath is a separate component.
Crown, veneer or implant?
CrownWhat it is often confused with
What is covered or replaced? A large part of the visible tooth.A veneer mainly covers the front; an implant replaces a missing root.
Does the natural root remain? Yes, for a crown on a natural tooth.No at the site of a dental implant.
What is visible in the mouth? The crown itself.With an implant, you also usually see the crown rather than the implant in the bone.
Why might a crown be discussed?
- when little healthy tooth tissue remains;
- for a tooth with a large filling, fracture or weakness;
- after root-canal treatment when added protection is indicated;
- as the visible restoration on a dental implant.
Questions for the conversation
- Will the crown sit on my natural tooth or on an implant?
- How much natural tooth tissue will remain?
- What alternatives apply to my situation?
- Which material and technical costs may be listed separately?
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