Dental crowns are caps that are placed over teeth. They can be used to restore a tooth's function and appearance. A dental crown can also be used to protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth. Crowns are made from different materials, such as porcelain, metal, or resin. 

Dental crowns are one of the most common dental procedures. They are used to restore a tooth's function and appearance after it has been damaged by decay or injury. There will always be steps to 'fix' a tooth even after severe trauma, reconstructing fragments of the tooth and bonding them together with dental cement. 

The preparation steps for crowing are as follows: 

The dental team will first take x-rays and scans of the tooth to be treated. 

Then, the tooth will be prepared by removing any decay or damaged areas. 

Next, an impression or mould of the tooth will be made. 

This mould will then be used to create your custom dental crown 

How do you care for your dental crown? 

A crown itself may be impervious to cavities, but it still requires a healthy root. You should still brush and floss around the crown to keep the gum and root healthy. A good oral hygiene routine is vital for maintaining your dental crowns, as well as your natural teeth. If you have a metal crown, avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels. These can damage or loosen the cement holding the crown in place and create miro-gaps for bacteria to establish themselves. 

There are a few circumstances in which dental crowns are available on the NHS. These include when a tooth has been damaged by decay or trauma, to support a large filling where there isn't enough tooth remaining or to protect a weak tooth from breaking. You may also be able to get an NHS dental crown if you're pregnant or have had radiotherapy to the head or neck. If you need a dental crown, your dental team will usually recommend that you have one made from porcelain (a type of ceramic). Porcelain crowns look more like natural teeth than other types of crowns and are strong and durable. They're also less likely to cause an allergic reaction. But most crowning is carried out under private or self-funded care. If you have a tooth that needs a crown, your dental team will first assess whether it is suitable for treatment with an NHS dental crown. Insurance providers often don't cover the cost of dental crowns, but you should check your policy if you have one.