A crown is a dental restoration typically made in a dental laboratory that is placed over a natural tooth to replace damaged or unsupported tooth structure. Natural crowns may need to be replaced if they have been damaged by tooth decay, chipping or breaking. Artificial crowns can also be used as part of a bridge or as a restoration over an implant. They are commonly used after root canal treatment because the procedure can make the tooth brittle. A crown will protect the tooth structure from fracture.

Crown restorations range from full crowns that cover the entire natural crown of the tooth (the top surface of the tooth) to three-quarter crowns that leave the front of the tooth exposed (commonly used on front teeth). Crowns may be made of metal alloys (e.g., gold, copper, nickel, chromium), porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a type of plastic called composite resin.

The restoration process for a crown is a multistep process, beginning with a dental examination and x-rays. In many cases, root canal treatment is the first step. A diseased or decayed tooth has its pulp removed from its root canal and replaced with material called gutta percha.

After the initial examination and any preliminary dental work, crowns typically require two or more visits: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions and another to cement the permanent crown to the tooth. Between these visits, the patient wears a temporary crown. There is usually little or no discomfort after a crown has been placed, although some patients may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold. If any additional problems arise, patients should speak with their dentist.

Crowns can closely match the color, shade, shape and length of neighboring teeth and are often difficult to detect as artificial. However, various problems (e.g., chipping, fracture, breaking, loosening, falling out) may require that crowns be replaced. In some of these cases, the crown may be able to be repaired in the mouth or re-cemented, depending on the amount of damage that has occurred.