Restorative Dentistry » Crowns
A tooth that originally only had a small filling usually needs a larger and larger filling as years go by as the fillings or teeth chip or break further (this is another reason why prevention is always better than cure!). A tooth that has a very large filling or has been broken and weakened by extensive decay often needs to have a crown constructed to restore aesthetics and function.
A Crown (sometimes known as a 'cap') is constructed and cemented over the remaining prepared tooth structure and can be constructed from either ceramic, gold or a combination of these or other materials.
A crown could also be a good solution if you have some large discoloured fillings and would like to improve their appearance. Crowns can be used to replace these to give you a more aesthetic smile.
A tooth that has had root canal treatment often needs a crown to protect the restored tooth as these teeth are prone to fractures over time.