Crowns

Dental Crowns North York, ON

A crown, also known as a “cap,” is a prosthetic covering that goes over a tooth to protect it from fracture and improve aesthetics. It can be made of ceramic, zirconia, porcelain fused to a gold base, or a gold alloy. In pediatric dentistry, crowns for the primary molars are made of stainless steel.

When a tooth has had a large cavity or a significant fracture, there is loss of some of the natural tooth structure. Loss of tooth material results in the remaining tooth structure being weaker and more susceptible to further fracture from daily use. When teeth have had root canal treatment, the remaining natural tooth is very weak. In these cases, a crown is necessary to protect the tooth from fracturing. At times, these fractures can extend far under the gum line or vertically into the root. These teeth cannot be restored properly and must be removed.

illustration of dental crown being placed over tooth in mouth, dental crowns North York dentist

Crown Treatment at Dr. Sara Shiewitz Dentistry

If the tooth is vital, meaning it has not had root canal treatment, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the tooth. Because a root canal treated tooth does not have a nerve, it does not have to be anesthetized unless we have to work under the gum line.

Dr. Shiewitz will remove a small portion of the tooth material to make room for the crown to fit in line with the surrounding teeth. The modified tooth is fitted with a temporary crown to be worn until the permanent crown is ready. An impression is taken of the area and the opposing teeth, as well as a record of how the teeth bite together. This is sent to a dental laboratory where the crown is fabricated. When the final crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and the final crown fit is assessed. Once you and Dr. Shiewitz are satisfied with the fit, colour, and bite, the crown is cemented permanently into place.

Types of Crowns

We choose crown materials based on our evaluation of the oral condition in each individual patient. It is important to choose a material that is strong enough (good mechanical and physical properties) to tolerate wear and tear in the mouth, especially with people who have a grinding or clenching habit. And it is important to choose a material that is aesthetic, especially for teeth that show when you smile or speak.

Generally Dr. Shiewitz uses one of the many types of aesthetic dental ceramics available. In certain circumstances, such as for a vital (non-root canal treated) back tooth in someone who has a severe grinding habit, a gold alloy crown may be recommended. If you need a crown at the front of the mouth, we recommend one of the more aesthetic types of ceramic such as a lithium disilicate-based glass-ceramic.

Because a crown improves both the form and the function of a tooth, it is one of the most popular restorative treatments available at our North York dental office. Talk to Dr. Shiewitz to discover how a crown can enhance the health and the appearance of your smile.


Dental crowns can restore damaged teeth or strengthen a tooth after a root canal. To learn more about crowns or to schedule an appointment, call Dr. Sara Shiewitz Dentistry in North York, ON today at (416) 223-4181

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WINTER HOURS (October to April)

Monday:

ONE MONDAY PER MONTH, 10 AM TO 6 PM

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

NOON TILL 8 PM

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS 10 AM TO 2 PM

Saturday:

ALTERNATE SATURDAYS 10 AM TO 6 PM

Sunday:

Closed

SUMMER HOURS (April to October)

Monday:

ONE MONDAY PER MONTH, 10 AM TO 6 PM

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

NOON TILL 8 PM

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS 10 AM TO 2 PM

Saturday:

ALTERNATE SATURDAYS 10 AM TO 6 PM

Sunday:

Closed