When a tooth has too much damage for a filling to fix reliably, a dental crown is the next step. A crown fits over the entire visible portion of the tooth, protecting what remains and restoring the tooth to its full shape, strength, and function.
At Mint 32 Dentistry, we fabricate crowns designed to match the colour and contour of your natural teeth so the result looks completely natural.
Several clinical situations call for a crown rather than a filling. Your dentist will explain exactly which applies to your case.
When decay has destroyed too much of the tooth's structure for a filling to hold reliably, a crown provides full coverage and restores the tooth's strength.
A crack can run deep into a tooth over time if not protected. A crown holds the tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading further.
Teeth worn down by grinding, acid erosion, or years of heavy use can be restored to their proper height and shape with a crown.
After a root canal, the treated tooth becomes more brittle. A crown is typically placed over it to prevent fracture and restore normal function.
A dental crown is the visible tooth portion placed on top of a dental implant once the implant has healed and integrated with the jawbone.
The right crown material depends on where the tooth is in your mouth and your aesthetic preferences. We only discuss materials we actually use at Mint 32.
All-ceramic crowns look the most natural and are the most commonly placed material for visible teeth. They match the translucency and shade of natural teeth closely and contain no metal.
These crowns have a metal base with a porcelain outer layer. They are durable and can work well in areas under heavier bite force. They may show a thin dark line at the gumline over time as the gum recedes slightly.
Your dentist will discuss which material is most suitable for your specific situation.
Crown placement usually takes two appointments, with a temporary crown worn in between.
Your dentist examines the tooth, confirms that a crown is the right treatment, and prepares the tooth by reshaping it slightly to make room for the crown to fit over it.
We take a precise record of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This record goes to the dental lab where your permanent crown is fabricated.
A temporary crown is placed on the prepared tooth while the permanent one is being made. Avoid sticky or hard foods on that side during this time.
At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit, colour, and bite before being cemented into place permanently.
The decision between a filling and a crown depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains.
The decision between a filling and a crown depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains.
| Situation | Recommended Treatment |
|---|---|
| Small to moderate cavity | Filling |
| Large cavity with limited structure remaining | Crown |
| Cracked tooth at risk of splitting | Crown |
| Tooth that has had a root canal | Crown |
| Tooth with a large failing filling | Crown or filling, assessed case by case |
If there is a choice, we will always discuss both options with you before proceeding.
Crowns do not last forever. With proper care, most last 10 to 15 years or longer. If a crown chips, cracks, becomes loose, or develops decay at its edges, it needs to be replaced. We assess existing crowns at every routine visit.
We will examine the tooth, explain your options, and help you understand what is covered.
With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, most crowns last 10 to 15 years. Some last significantly longer. The longevity depends on the material, the tooth's position, and how well the crown is cared for.
The preparation appointment is done under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain, only pressure. Some soreness after the anaesthetic wears off is normal and settles within a day or two.
Crown treatment typically takes two appointments. The first is for preparation and impressions. The second is to place the permanent crown, usually one to two weeks later.
Not always, but it is recommended in most cases. A root-canal-treated tooth is more prone to fracture. A crown protects it from breaking under normal chewing forces.
Yes, in most cases. A crown holds the tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading. Whether this is possible depends on how deep the crack goes; your dentist will assess this before recommending treatment.
Yes, but preauthorization from Sun Life is required before treatment begins. Our team handles this process and confirms your eligibility before any work starts.