Crowns are porcelain caps placed on the top of a tooth used to restore a tooth’s function following damage or to reduce its risk of fracture from major decay, large restorations, cracks, or root canals. Research shows that root canals undermine a posterior tooth’s structural integrity and increases its risk of fracture. The tooth should be protected with a crown that covers the cusps of the tooth and reduces that risk. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Crowns also provide a cosmetic benefit when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
Option 1: In Office Crown (CEREC)
A CEREC crown is made in the office requiring only one visit. So patients who are restricted by time or have a busy schedule will benefit from only having to come in for one visit. CEREC crowns are milled in the office.
Option 2: Traditional Crown
A traditional crown is prepped in the office, but then sent to a lab in order to process it. Patients will leave with a temporary crown on and return after 2-3 weeks in order to bond on the lab crown. This type of crown typically takes two appointments.
