• 21 John Yeo Drive Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1E 3j3

Porcelain Crowns (Caps)

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A dental crown (also called a cap) covers the entire visible part of a tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns protect teeth that can’t be reliably repaired with fillings or bonding—so you can chew comfortably and smile with confidence.

At Northwest Dentistry in Charlottetown, we often recommend porcelain (tooth-coloured) crowns because they look natural and are highly durable.

When a Crown Is Recommended

  • Broken or fractured tooth
  • Large decay or a tooth with a very large filling
  • Cracked tooth or fractured filling
  • After root canal therapy (to protect a weakened tooth)
  • Cosmetic enhancement (to improve colour/shape/alignment)
  • We’ll examine your tooth, review X-rays, and explain all options so you can choose confidently.

Why Porcelain?

  • Natural look: Shade-matched to blend with neighbouring teeth
  • Strong & durable: Designed to handle everyday chewing
  • Stain-resistant: Holds its colour better than resin materials
  • Biocompatible options: Gentle on surrounding tissues

What to Expect: The Crown Process

Visit 1: Preparation & Temporary Crown

  1. Comfort: We numb the area and keep the tooth isolated.
  2. Shaping: Decay and old filling material are removed; the tooth is shaped to make space for the crown.
  3. Impressions/Scan: We capture precise records for the dental lab.
  4. Shade selection: We match the colour to your smile.
  5. Temporary crown: A custom temporary is placed to protect the tooth while your final crown is crafted.

Between visits:

  • Mild sensitivity is common for a few days.
  • Avoid very sticky or hard foods on the temporary.
  • Call us if the temporary loosens—we’ll re-cement it.

Visit 2: Final Crown Placement

  1. Fit & aesthetics: We check margins, contact points, and colour.
  2. Bite adjustment: We fine-tune for comfortable chewing.
  3. Cementation: The crown is permanently bonded and polished.

Aftercare & Longevity

With good care, porcelain crowns can last many years.

  • Brush 2×/day with fluoride toothpaste; floss daily (slide floss out rather than snapping up).
  • Avoid biting very hard objects (ice, nutshells) on crowned teeth.
  • If you clench or grind, ask about a night guard to protect your crown and natural teeth.
  • Keep regular exams & cleanings so we can monitor the margins and surrounding gums.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

Composite fillings are durable and can last many years. Longevity depends on the size and location of the filling, your bite (clenching/grinding), diet, and at-home care. Night guards can help protect restorations if you grind your teeth.

Alternatives We May Discuss

  • Inlays/Onlays (Porcelain or Composite): For larger areas where extra strength is beneficial.
  • Crowns (Caps): When a tooth is heavily cracked, worn, or has very large cavities.
  • Silver Amalgam: Still used in some situations; we’ll outline pros/cons so you can choose confidently.

We’ll recommend the most conservative option that keeps your tooth strong and healthy.

FAQ

Will my crown look natural?
Yes. We take time to match the shade, shape, and translucency so it blends seamlessly.

Does a crowned tooth need flossing?
Absolutely—crowns protect teeth but don’t make them cavity-proof. Flossing keeps the margins and gums healthy.

Can a crown be repaired if it chips?
Minor chips can sometimes be polished or repaired; larger fractures may require replacing the crown. We’ll advise the best solution.

How long does the process take?
Typically two visits (about two weeks apart) to allow for precise lab fabrication and a great fit.

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