Dental Crowns in New Westminster, BC

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over an entire tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are one of the most commonly needed dental restorations, and at Foundation Dental in New Westminster we use tooth-coloured materials that match your surrounding teeth so closely they are virtually undetectable.

When Is a Crown Recommended?

  1. After a root canal, to protect a tooth that has become more brittle

  2. When a cavity is too large to be adequately restored with a filling

  3. A cracked or fractured tooth

  4. A tooth weakened by multiple existing large fillings

  5. To restore a severely worn-down tooth

  6. To cover a dental implant

  7. For cosmetic improvement in cases where veneers are not the right fit

What are Dental Crowns Made of ?

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns

PFM crowns have a metal base for strength with a porcelain outer layer for appearance. They are durable and suitable for both front and back teeth. Over time, the metal margin can become slightly visible at the gumline.

All-ceramic / zirconia crowns

All-ceramic crowns, particularly zirconia, are our most commonly recommended option. They are extremely strong, contain no metal, and provide the most natural appearance of any crown material. Zirconia crowns are suitable for any tooth in the mouth.

Gold crowns

Gold alloy crowns are the most durable option and are very gentle on opposing teeth. They remain an excellent choice for back teeth in patients who prioritise longevity

The Crown Process at Foundation Dental

1.

Assessment and preparation. The tooth is examined and shaped to accommodate the crown, and impressions or a digital scan are taken.

2.

Temporary crown. A temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is being crafted in the dental laboratory, which takes approximately 1-2 weeks.

3.

Fitting and cementation. Your permanent crown is checked for fit, colour, and bite, then permanently cemented into place.

  • What is a crown?

    Crowns are full-coverage restorations that cover a tooth that is at risk of breaking or is too damaged to be corrected with a traditional filling. The crown covers the whole exterior of the teeth allowing it to be protected from damage. They can be done individually or with other teeth depending on what is required.

  • What is a crown made of?

    Crowns are usually they are made of all ceramic materials such as EMax and zirconia which provides a metal free aesthetic result. Crowns can be made of traditional materials like gold or porcelain fused to metal when requested.

  • What to expect

    Crowns typically require two visits. In your first appointment, we’ll take an impression and prepare your tooth for the porcelain crown. You’ll receive a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the final crown is ready. During your second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed and a final porcelain crown will be placed. We take extra care to ensure that the crown is the right fit, shape, and colour, and bite.

  • Why are crowns done?

    A crown can be used to:

    • restore a tooth that is too damaged to be fixed with a filling

    • Improve the appearance of a tooth

    • relieve pain from any damage or fracture

    • restore the loss of tooth from excessive grinding

    • help strengthen a tooth to prevent fracture

Frequently Asked Questions - Dental Crowns

  • Crowns typically require two visits. In your first appointment, we’ll take an impression and prepare your tooth for the porcelain crown. You’ll receive a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the final crown is ready. During your second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed and a final porcelain crown will be placed. We take extra care to ensure that the crown is the right fit, shape, and colour, and bite.

  • A well-fitted crown with good oral hygiene typically lasts 15 to 25 years. Zirconia crowns in particular are extremely durable. Diet and bruxing (teeth grinding) can affect the longevity of your crowns.

  • The preparation appointment is done under local anaesthetic - you should feel pressure but no discomfort. Some sensitivity is normal in the days after preparation, and it typically settles once your permanent crown is fitted.

  • Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown costs. Coverage and waiting periods vary by plan. The CDCP covers crowns with pre-authorisation for eligible patients.

  • The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth underneath can develop decay at the margin where the crown meets the gum. Good brushing and flossing at the gumline keeps this well managed.

  • Keeping a natural tooth is almost always the preferred path. Your dentist will give you an honest assessment of whether a crown is the right long-term option for your specific tooth.

Need a crown?

Give us a call at 778-400-8335 or book now to request an appointment directly.

885 Carnarvon St
New Westminster, BC V3M 1G2

(778) 400-8335
info@foundationdental.ca

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