Diagram of a Crown

A crown is a treatment for a large cavity or broken tooth. A crown protects a tooth from breaking further and fits over the tooth like a thimble over a finger. It looks like a natural tooth. The procedure takes two visits. During the first visit the tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown, an impression of the tooth is made, and a temporary crown is placed on the tooth. During the second visit the permanent crown is customized to the tooth then permanently cemented in to place. Once a crown is placed most patients are unaware of it, as a properly made crown usually looks and feels like a natural tooth. With proper care a crown can last many years.