Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Dental Crowns in Hillcrest
A crown covers and strengthens a tooth weakened by decay, cracks or large fillings. Hillcrest patients can discuss materials and steps in Port Dover.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Hillcrest patients are seen at our Port Dover office
Browse every service for HillcrestFull coverage for a weak tooth
A crown protects what remains of a damaged tooth.
A crown is a cap that covers the visible part of a tooth above the gumline. It is often recommended when a tooth is cracked, heavily filled, badly worn or has had root canal treatment, because these teeth can be prone to breaking under normal chewing forces. Crowns can improve the shape or colour of a tooth as well, though protection is usually the main reason for placing one.
Patients travelling from Hillcrest can have crowns assessed and placed at our Port Dover office. The dentist will explain why a crown is being suggested, which material may suit that particular tooth, how many appointments are involved and what you can do to help the crown last for many years.
When a crown helps
Crowns are recommended when a tooth needs extra support.
Situations that call for coverage
Common reasons include a cracked or broken cusp, a large filling that leaves thin and fragile walls, a back tooth that has had root canal treatment, severe wear from grinding and some cosmetic concerns. A crown can also anchor a bridge or sit on top of an implant. The dentist will explain exactly what they saw that led to the recommendation for your tooth.
Considering less extensive options
For some teeth, an onlay or a large filling may be enough and would remove less natural tooth structure. It is reasonable to ask whether these alternatives were considered and why a crown might be preferable. Understanding the reasoning helps you weigh the benefits of full coverage against the cost and the permanent reshaping of enamel that a crown requires.
Choosing materials
Material choice balances strength and appearance.
Ceramic and porcelain
All-ceramic and porcelain crowns can closely resemble natural teeth and are often chosen for front teeth or areas that show when you smile. Some modern ceramics are also strong enough for back teeth that take heavy biting forces. The dentist will match the colour to nearby teeth and explain how the chosen material may wear against the teeth it bites against.
Metal and combination crowns
Metal crowns, including gold alloys, are very durable and usually require less tooth removal, but they are clearly visible. Porcelain fused to metal combines strength with a tooth-coloured surface, although a thin dark line may show near the gum over time. Ask the dentist to compare the options for your tooth, including how each tends to age.
The appointments
Most crowns involve two visits.
Preparation and temporary crown
At the first visit, the tooth is numbed and shaped to make room for the crown. Any decay is removed, and the tooth may be built up with filling material if a lot of structure is missing. Impressions or scans are taken and sent for fabrication, and a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made.
Fitting the permanent crown
At the second visit, the temporary is removed and the permanent crown is checked carefully for fit, colour and bite. Adjustments are made before it is cemented in place. Your bite may feel slightly different for a day or two. Contact the office if it still feels high or the tooth stays sensitive after a few days, since a small adjustment often helps.
Crown care
A crown still needs everyday care.
Looking after the temporary
Temporary crowns are held with softer cement and are less secure than permanent ones. Avoid sticky or very hard foods on that side, and slide floss out sideways rather than snapping it upward. If the temporary comes off, keep it and call the office so it can be recemented. Some sensitivity to temperature is common while a temporary is in place.
Protecting the permanent crown
The tooth under a crown can still decay where the crown meets the tooth, so brush and floss carefully along the gumline. Regular checkups allow the dentist to inspect the edges and the surrounding gum. Avoid chewing ice or hard objects. If you grind your teeth, a night guard can help protect the crown and the teeth around it.
Planning your appointment
Your crown appointments in Port Dover.
Hillcrest patients can call our Port Dover office to book a crown assessment or follow up on a recommendation made elsewhere. Mention which tooth is involved and any symptoms, so the team can plan enough time and explain the steps ahead.
Ask how many visits will be needed and the expected gap between them, so you can plan travel, time off and meals around the temporary crown.
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
Crown questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How long do dental crowns last?
Many crowns last for years, depending on the material, your bite, oral hygiene and habits such as grinding. Regular checkups help identify problems early. The dentist will let you know when a crown is showing signs of wear and replacement may be worth planning.
Will a crown look natural?
Tooth-coloured crowns can be closely matched to the teeth around them. The final appearance depends on the material and the colour of neighbouring teeth. If you plan to whiten, it is usually best to do so before the crown is made so the shades match.
Does getting a crown hurt?
Local anaesthetic keeps the tooth comfortable while it is being prepared. Some sensitivity or gum tenderness may follow for a few days. If pain is severe, keeps you awake or does not settle, contact the office so the tooth can be checked.
Can a crowned tooth get a cavity?
Yes. Decay can develop where the crown meets the natural tooth, especially close to the gumline. Brushing carefully, cleaning between teeth daily and keeping regular checkups all help prevent this and allow problems to be caught early.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth that have had root canal treatment are often crowned to reduce the risk of fracture, since they can become brittle. Front teeth may sometimes be restored with a filling instead. The dentist will recommend what is appropriate for your tooth.
Alternatives and related repairs
General Dentistry →Inlays and Onlays →
Too big for a filling but not ready for a crown? Hillcrest patients can ask our Port Dover dentists whether an inlay or onlay would protect the damaged tooth.
Lost Filling or Crown Repair →
A filling or crown that falls out leaves the tooth exposed. Hillcrest patients can learn how to protect it and arrange a repair visit at our Port Dover office.