Dental terminology can be confusing when describing procedures that restore a tooth’s natural look and function. Many people search for a “fake tooth” when they need a dental restoration, blurring the line between saving a damaged tooth and replacing a missing one. A dental crown is one of the most common procedures dentists perform to repair compromised teeth, offering a way to save the natural tooth structure underneath. This restorative approach uses a custom-made covering to shield and strengthen the tooth.
Defining the Dental Crown
A dental crown is a custom-fabricated, tooth-shaped cap designed to cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. It is a permanent restoration that encapsulates an existing, damaged tooth structure, rather than replacing the whole tooth. The purpose of this covering is to restore the tooth’s original shape, size, and strength, while also improving its appearance.
The crown is typically bonded to the prepared natural tooth using dental cement. The underlying tooth structure, including the root and core, must be healthy enough to support the restoration. Crowns are often necessary for teeth that have sustained a fracture, are severely worn down, or have lost substantial structure due to a large filling or root canal therapy.
Crowns are constructed from various materials, offering different benefits in durability and aesthetics. All-ceramic or porcelain crowns offer the most natural look and are often used for front teeth due to their ability to mimic the translucency of natural enamel. For back teeth, where chewing forces are higher, materials like metal alloys or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) may be chosen for their superior strength.
Crown vs. Complete Tooth Replacement
The confusion over whether a crown is a “fake tooth” stems from the difference between dental restoration and replacement. A crown is definitively a restoration because it works to save the existing natural tooth and root. This procedure preserves the bone and tissue that surround the natural root, which is a major benefit for long-term oral health.
A true “fake tooth” or complete tooth replacement refers to options like a bridge pontic or an implant-supported prosthetic, where the original root is entirely missing. These replacements fill the empty space left by a lost tooth, with the goal of restoring form and function to the gap. For example, a dental implant is an artificial titanium root placed into the jawbone, and a crown is then fixed on top of it to act as the visible tooth.
In the case of a dental bridge, the false tooth, known as a pontic, is suspended between two dental crowns placed on the healthy adjacent teeth. These neighboring teeth are prepared to accept the crowns, which serve as anchors for the entire replacement unit. While the crown on an implant or bridge looks like a natural tooth, it is functioning as the visible portion of a replacement system. A stand-alone crown’s primary function is to reinforce a compromised tooth, allowing a patient to retain their own natural dental structure.
The Crown Placement Process
Receiving a permanent dental crown typically requires two separate appointments with the dentist. The first visit focuses on preparing the tooth that will receive the cap, which involves shaping the tooth by removing a specific amount of the outer layer. This reduction creates the necessary space for the crown material to fit over the tooth without appearing bulky or interfering with the bite.
Following the preparation, the dentist takes an impression or digital scan of the shaped tooth and the surrounding teeth. This data is sent to a dental lab where the custom crown is fabricated to ensure a precise fit and natural appearance. During the time the permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it from sensitivity and damage.
During the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is carefully positioned to check the fit, color, and bite alignment. Once all checks are complete and the patient is satisfied, the crown is permanently bonded onto the prepared natural tooth structure using a strong dental cement. This two-step process reinforces that the core of the natural tooth remains present beneath the new restoration.