Dental crowns are used for many reasons, such as providing protection to a tooth in your mouth that was repaired after being damaged, or for a cosmetic reason that requires that a cap be put on a tooth. Since dental crowns can be costly, it's a good idea to be prepared for potential situations that can require a dental crown so you are not shocked when you find out that you need one.

Implants

A dental implant requires surgically installing a titanium rod into your jawbone, but it is only half of the procedure. You will eventually need a crown to put on that titanium post. This is not done until the post becomes stable and your jawbone has healed, which can take around 2–4 months. The dentist will then attach an abutment to the post which allows the crown to be placed on it.

A crown used with a dental implant is typically made with porcelain, but the crown can be constructed using metal alloy or stainless steel as well. Since a crown made out of those materials isn't white, it's used when replacing a rear molar that is not seen that often.

Bridges

A dental bridge is a great way to replace a missing tooth if you do not want to have a surgical procedure done. Keep in mind that a dental bridge requires two crowns for it to work. These two crowns attach to the teeth surrounding the gap, and the fake tooth attaches between them like a bridge. Nothing is inserted into the jawbone, and the surrounding teeth provide the support for chewing with the fake tooth. Alternatively, an implant can be used to create one of the supports for a dental bridge if you are missing multiple teeth in a row.

The procedure requires that those bordering teeth are filed down to fit the crown in a comfortable position. The crown will also help protect those teeth since the enamel is removed during the filing process.

Root Canals

When a tooth is inflamed or infected, the tissue inside the tooth will need to be removed. The interior of the tooth will be hollowed and disinfected to preserve the tooth, and filled with composite materials. A crown is necessary to provide the tooth with strength, and to prevent bacteria from reaching the middle of the tooth.

Have some questions about getting a dental crown for one of these 3 procedures?  Speak to a dentist in your area.