Crowns are basically “caps” that cover a tooth and bring it back to normal shape, size and function. It is used on a tooth that is likely to break, or is too broken down to be repaired with a filling. They are most commonly done when a large filling wears out, after a root canal, when a large hole is created by a cavity, or when a tooth has fractured. Crowns are protective and prevent further damage, as well as making for a nice smile.
It typically takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first appointment, any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped for the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth that is used in fabricating the crown. During this time a temporary crown is worn. In the second visit this temporary is removed and the permanent crown is tried in, adjusted as needed and then cemented in place.