Glossary

Dental Crowns Glossary

Common terms you will encounter when getting a dental crown — from the types of crown materials to the step-by-step procedure and related restorations.

All-ceramic

Made entirely of ceramic or porcelain, offering excellent esthetics but may not be as strong as other options.

All-metal

Made of gold or other metal alloys. Highly durable but not tooth-colored.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)

Combines the strength of metal with the esthetics of porcelain.

Zirconia

Made from a strong, tooth-colored material that is highly biocompatible.

Stainless steel

Often used as temporary crowns or for children's teeth.

Abutment

A connector piece that attaches the crown to the tooth or implant.

Cementation

The process of securing the crown to the prepared tooth using dental cement.

CEREC Same-Day Crowns

Crowns designed and fabricated in the office using CAD/CAM technology, allowing for single-visit placement.

Core Buildup

Adding material to a damaged tooth to provide support for the crown.

Crown Lengthening

A surgical procedure to expose more of the tooth structure for crown placement.

Impression

A mold taken of the prepared tooth to create a custom-made crown.

Margin

The edge of the crown where it meets the tooth.

Preparation

Shaping the tooth to create space for the crown.

Temporary Crown

A crown worn while the permanent crown is being made.

Bridge

A dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by using the adjacent teeth for support.

Bruxism

Grinding or clenching your teeth, which can damage crowns.

Dental Implant

A titanium post placed in the jawbone to support a crown or other restoration.

Onlay

A type of restoration that covers one or more cusps (points) of a tooth.

Root Canal Therapy

A procedure to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth, often followed by crown placement.