Crowns or caps protect and restore damaged teeth. Larger than fillings, they cover lost tooth portions due to decay or damage. Custom-made for a proper fit, crowns should look as good as or better than the original. Once made at a dental lab, they are cemented in place and can last for decades with proper care.
What should I do if I lose or break a crown?
Dental crowns will occasionally fall off, break, or get lost. Sometimes the tooth will feel sensitive, or you may even develop a toothache. When this happens, it is important to see a dentist immediately to get the crown replaced. If your crown has been lost or damaged, you can get a temporary crown while a new one is made.
Temporary crowns
Temporary crowns are an extremely versatile temporary tooth restoration. They can be used to replace a lost crown, cover a broken or chipped tooth, cover a root canal, and other situations. They are made on site, and usually take less than an hour to make and place.
Making impressions of your teeth
When fitted with a temporary crown, the dentist takes an impression for a permanent one. The temporary should last until the permanent crown is ready and can be safely placed. Designed to last only a few weeks, temporary crowns require careful chewing until the permanent crown is in place.