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Port Dover Family Dentistry
A crown covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore strength and shape. Langton patients can learn when crowns are advised and what the visits involve.
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See every dental service for Langton patientsFull coverage for a tooth
A dental crown is a cap that covers the visible part of a tooth above the gumline. It is used when a tooth has lost so much structure, through decay, fracture, wear or large old fillings, that a filling alone would not be strong enough. Crowns also protect teeth after root canal treatment and can improve the shape or colour of a tooth.
For Langton patients, the process usually involves two appointments at our Port Dover office, along with an initial exam to confirm that a crown is the right choice. The dentist will explain why full coverage is recommended and whether an onlay or other option could preserve more of the natural tooth.

Why a crown
Teeth with large fillings, cracks or cusps that have broken off are at risk of splitting. A crown wraps around the tooth and distributes chewing forces, helping to hold it together. Back teeth that have had root canal treatment are often crowned because they can become brittle. The dentist will explain the specific risk to your tooth.
Crowns can also restore a severely worn tooth, cover a badly discoloured or misshapen tooth, sit on top of a dental implant or anchor a bridge. Each of these uses has slightly different design requirements. Ask the dentist to describe the purpose of the crown in your case and what would happen if you chose to wait or try another approach.
Materials
All-ceramic and porcelain crowns are tooth-coloured and often chosen for front teeth or anywhere appearance is a priority. Some modern ceramics are also strong enough for back teeth. The dentist considers your bite, grinding habits and the amount of space available when recommending a ceramic. They will match the shade carefully to your neighbouring teeth.
Gold and other metal crowns are very durable and need less tooth removal, which makes them useful for back teeth under heavy load, though they are not tooth-coloured. Porcelain fused to metal combines a metal core with a porcelain surface. Ask about the trade-offs in strength, appearance and wear on opposing teeth for each material.
Two visits
At the first visit, the tooth is numbed, decay and old filling material are removed and the tooth is shaped to make room for the crown. If too little tooth remains, a core build-up may be placed first. Impressions or a digital scan are taken, and a temporary crown is fitted to protect the tooth while the permanent one is made.
At the second visit, the temporary is removed and the permanent crown is tried in. The dentist checks the fit at the gumline, the contacts with neighbouring teeth, the colour and the bite. Once everything is right, the crown is cemented or bonded in place. Mention anything that feels high or uncomfortable before you leave the office.
Crown care
Temporary crowns are held with weaker cement. Avoid sticky foods like caramel and gum, chew on the other side when you can and slide floss out sideways rather than lifting it up. If the temporary comes off, call the office. Keep it safe and, if possible, place it back over the tooth with a little toothpaste until you are seen.
The tooth under a crown can still decay at the edges where crown meets tooth. Brush twice daily, floss every day and keep regular checkups so the margins can be examined. If you grind, a night guard can protect the crown from chipping. Report any looseness, sensitivity or a dark line near the gum that you notice.
Planning your appointment
Contact our Port Dover office to discuss a crown or to have a weakened tooth assessed. The team can explain the number of visits involved and schedule them in a way that suits your travel.
If you have dental coverage, ask the office how coverage questions are handled before treatment begins, so there are fewer surprises later.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Many crowns last well over a decade, though this depends on the material, your bite, grinding habits, home care and the health of the tooth underneath. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor the crown and catch problems early.
The tooth is numbed during preparation, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity or gum tenderness is common for a few days afterwards. Contact the office if discomfort is severe or does not improve over time.
Yes. Decay can develop where the crown meets the natural tooth, especially if plaque is left at the gumline. Good brushing, daily flossing and regular exams help protect the tooth beneath the crown from new decay.
Not necessarily. A root canal is needed only if the nerve is infected, inflamed or likely to fail. Many crowned teeth have healthy nerves. The dentist will test the tooth and explain whether root canal treatment is required first.
Sometimes. An onlay covers part of the biting surface and preserves more natural tooth. It may suit teeth that need reinforcement but still have strong walls. The dentist can explain whether an onlay or a full crown is the better choice.
Inlays and onlays restore back teeth that are too damaged for a filling but may not need a crown. Langton patients can learn when they suit and what to expect.
A filling or crown that falls out leaves the tooth exposed. Langton patients can learn how to protect the tooth, what to bring and how repair works.
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