General Information
When a tooth has been significantly weakened by decay, a large filling, a crack, or root canal treatment, it often needs more support than a filling alone can offer. That is where a dental crown comes in. Think of a crown as a custom fitted cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance.
At Austin Smile Studio, the process usually begins by reshaping the damaged tooth to make room for the crown, then taking a precise digital scan or impression so your restoration is custom made to fit. While your permanent crown is being crafted, we place a temporary crown to protect the tooth. Once your custom crown is ready, we check the fit and colour carefully before permanently bonding it in place.
We offer a range of high quality materials to suit different needs. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are prized for their natural, tooth like appearance and are often chosen for front teeth. Metal alloy crowns offer exceptional durability and are frequently recommended for back molars, where chewing forces are strongest. Whichever material suits your case, our goal is a crown that feels comfortable, functions naturally, and looks like it belongs.
Getting fitted for a crown at Austin Smile Studio typically involves two comfortable visits, giving our lab the time needed to craft a restoration that matches your bite precisely. During your first appointment, we numb the area, reshape the tooth, and capture detailed impressions or digital scans that guide the design of your new crown. We know a temporary crown can feel unfamiliar, so we make sure it fits securely and comfortably until you return for your permanent restoration. Our Coquitlam team pays close attention to small details like shade, contour, and bite alignment, because those details are what make a crown feel like it has always been part of your smile.
Crowns are also commonly used to protect a tooth after root canal therapy, since the tooth can become more fragile once the inner pulp has been removed. In these cases, placing a crown promptly helps prevent a crack or fracture that could otherwise lead to losing the tooth altogether. Our Coquitlam team coordinates closely between restorative and preventive care, so if you have recently had a root canal, filling, or significant repair, we will let you know whether a crown is recommended to protect your investment for the years ahead.
Benefits
A well fitted crown does far more than cover a problem tooth.
- Restores strength to a tooth weakened by decay or injury
- Prevents further cracking or breakage over time
- Available in tooth coloured materials for a natural look
- Custom crafted for a precise, comfortable fit
- Built to last many years with proper care
Aftercare
It is normal for a newly crowned tooth to feel slightly sensitive to temperature or pressure for the first few days as your mouth adjusts. If you have a temporary crown while your permanent restoration is being made, avoid sticky or hard foods that could pull it loose, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth when possible.
Once your permanent crown is placed, treat it much like your natural teeth. Brush twice daily and floss carefully around the crown, sliding the floss out sideways rather than lifting it straight up to avoid dislodging it. Try to avoid biting down on very hard foods like ice or hard candy, since excessive force can damage even a durable crown. Keep up with regular checkups so we can monitor the fit and condition of your restoration over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, most crowns last between ten and fifteen years, and many last even longer depending on the material and how well you look after them.
Yes. We carefully match porcelain and ceramic crowns to the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth so the restoration blends in naturally.
We use local anesthetic while preparing the tooth, so the procedure itself is generally comfortable. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and temporary.
Most crowns require two visits, one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and a second to place the finished, custom made crown.
It is uncommon, but crowns can loosen over time due to decay underneath or wear on the cement. Contact us right away if your crown feels loose.
Crowns do not need special products, but you should keep brushing and flossing daily and avoid chewing on very hard objects to help your crown last as long as possible.
If you have a cracked, worn, or heavily filled tooth that needs extra protection, Austin Smile Studio in Coquitlam is here to help. Reach out to book a consultation and find out whether a custom crown is the right solution for your smile.
