When is a crown needed?
A crown is considered when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling: a large cavity, a fracture, an extensive old restoration, a root-treated tooth or a significant cosmetic need.
Crowns, bridges and dentures
A crown is a cap that covers the entire visible part of the tooth. It restores the shape, strength and appearance of the tooth when the remaining structure is no longer enough to hold a conventional filling.
The most frequent situations are an extensive cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, a weakened root-treated tooth, a large old filling that is breaking down, or a heavily discoloured or misshapen tooth.
A crown is also used as the visible part on an implant, or as a support for a bridge that replaces a missing tooth.
When the loss of tooth structure is more limited, more conservative solutions exist, such as an inlay, an onlay or a veneer. The dentist chooses with you the option that preserves the most natural tooth while providing a lasting restoration.
This is a general answer. Only a consultation at the practice can tell what suits your situation.