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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Dental Crowns in Boston
A crown covers and strengthens a tooth weakened by decay, cracks or large fillings. Boston patients can learn why one is suggested and how visits go.
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Caring for Boston, Ontario patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Boston patientsCovering a weakened tooth
When a filling is not enough, a crown can hold a tooth together.
A crown is a cap that covers the visible part of a tooth. It is often recommended when a tooth has a very large filling, a crack, significant wear or has had root canal treatment. By encircling the tooth, a crown spreads biting forces and helps protect what remains from breaking further during everyday chewing.
Boston residents who have been told they may need a crown can get a clear explanation at our Port Dover office. Ask the dentist to show you what they see on the tooth and x-rays, and why a crown is being recommended over a smaller restoration such as a filling or onlay.
Why a crown
The amount of healthy tooth left guides the recommendation.
Situations that call for coverage
Teeth with large old fillings, cracks, fractured cusps or heavy wear from grinding are common candidates. Back teeth that have had root canal treatment are often crowned because they can become brittle and split. Crowns are also used to support bridges and to restore the appearance of badly discoloured or misshapen teeth that other treatments cannot improve.
Considering alternatives
In some cases, an onlay that covers only part of the tooth, or a large bonded filling, may be enough. Ask the dentist to compare options, including what each involves in tooth removal, expected durability and number of visits. Understanding the reasoning behind the recommendation helps you feel confident in the decision you make for that tooth.
Materials
Different materials suit different teeth and bites.
Tooth-coloured crowns
All-ceramic and porcelain crowns can closely match natural tooth colour, making them popular for visible front teeth. Some modern ceramics are strong enough for molars as well. The dentist will explain which material suits the location of your tooth and how much force it handles when you chew, clench or grind during sleep, since strength needs differ.
Metal and combined options
Metal-based crowns are very durable and may need less tooth to be removed. Porcelain fused to metal combines a strong core with a tooth-coloured surface. Each option has trade-offs in appearance, longevity and wear on the opposing teeth. Ask what the dentist recommends for your particular tooth, and why that choice suits your bite and appearance goals.
The process
Crowns are typically completed over two appointments.
Preparation and impressions
The tooth is numbed, any decay or old filling is removed and the tooth is shaped to make room for the crown. Sometimes a core is built up first to give the crown enough support. Impressions or a digital scan capture the shape so the crown can be made to fit closely. The shade is selected to blend with the neighbouring teeth.
Temporary and final crown
A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final one is made at a laboratory. Avoid sticky and very hard foods on that side in the meantime. At the next visit, the temporary is removed, the final crown is checked for fit, colour and bite, and then it is cemented or bonded firmly in place.
Living with it
A crowned tooth still needs everyday attention.
The first days
Some sensitivity or gum tenderness after placement is common and usually settles within days. If the bite feels high, pain increases or the crown feels loose, contact the office so it can be checked. Small bite adjustments are quick to make and can make a big difference to comfort and to how well the crown holds up.
Long-term care
The tooth under the crown can still decay at the margin where crown meets tooth, so brush and floss carefully around it every day. If you grind your teeth, a night guard may help protect the crown from chipping. Regular checkups allow the dentist to inspect the edges and gums and catch any problems before they grow.
Planning your appointment
Booking a crown consultation from Boston
Call our Port Dover office to arrange an assessment for a crown. Mention which tooth is affected and whether it is painful, cracked or has a large filling, so the dentist can plan the examination.
If a temporary crown comes loose between appointments, keep it safe and call the office for advice on what to do next.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Dental crown questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Why do I need a crown instead of a filling?
When a large portion of a tooth is missing or cracked, a filling may not provide enough support on its own. A crown covers and encircles the tooth, which helps prevent it from breaking apart under normal chewing forces.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed during preparation, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity afterward is normal and usually settles. Contact the office if pain is significant, lasts more than a few weeks or seems to be getting worse.
How long do crowns last?
Crowns can last many years with good care. Longevity depends on the material, bite forces, grinding habits and how well the tooth and gums around the crown are maintained with daily cleaning and regular checkups.
Can a crown get a cavity?
The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth underneath can, especially at the edges where the two meet. Careful brushing, flossing and regular checkups are important to catch any decay at the margin early.
Will my crown match my other teeth?
Tooth-coloured crowns are shaded to blend with the neighbouring teeth. If you plan to whiten your teeth, do it before the crown is made, since crowns do not change colour with whitening products afterward and would stand out.
Related restorations
General Dentistry →Inlays and Onlays →
Too much damage for a filling, not enough for a crown? Boston patients can ask our Port Dover dentist if an inlay or onlay could protect the tooth.
Lost Filling or Crown Repair →
When a filling falls out or a crown comes loose, protect the tooth and call. Boston patients can learn safe stopgaps and how Port Dover handles repair.