Protection for Teeth That Have Been Through a Lot
Teeth are astonishingly strong, but they have limits. A tooth weakened by a large old filling, a crack, deep decay or root canal therapy is living on borrowed time under the hundreds of pounds of force chewing generates. A crown (or "cap") covers the entire visible tooth, holding it together and spreading those forces safely — usually the difference between keeping a tooth for decades and losing it to a fracture.
When We Recommend a Crown
- After root canal therapy on molars and premolars, which become more brittle
- Cracked tooth syndrome — sharp pain on biting from a crack a filling can't fix
- A tooth more filling than tooth — when old restorations have left thin, fragile walls
- Broken or severely worn teeth — restoring height, shape and chewing function
- Cosmetic transformation — reshaping a discoloured or misshapen tooth (often alongside veneers)
- Topping a dental implant — the visible tooth on an implant is a crown
- Anchoring a bridge — crowns on neighbouring teeth support a dental bridge
The Crown Process
Visit one: we numb the tooth, shape it to make room for the crown, capture a precise impression, and fit a temporary crown. You leave chewing normally.
Between visits: a dental laboratory crafts your crown to our specifications — shade-matched to your neighbouring teeth so it disappears into your smile.
Visit two: we verify the fit, bite and colour against your natural teeth, make any refinements, and cement the crown permanently. Total treatment time is typically two to three weeks.
Honest Advice, Durable Results
Not every damaged tooth needs a crown, and we'll tell you when a more conservative option — a filling, an onlay or bonding — will do the job. When a crown is the right answer, we'll give you a clear written estimate first. We bill all insurance plans directly, accept the CDCP and offer financing for extensive treatment.
Cracked, sensitive or living with a "temporary" problem tooth? Book an assessment or call (613) 491-3300.
Dental Crowns — Frequently Asked Questions
When is a crown better than a filling?
When not enough healthy tooth remains for a filling to hold — typically after a large fracture, extensive decay, or a root canal on a back tooth. A filling patches a hole; a crown wraps and holds the whole tooth together under chewing force.
How long do dental crowns last?
With good home care and regular check-ups, 10–15 years is typical and many crowns last far longer. The crown can't decay, but the tooth under its edges can — so brushing, flossing and check-ups still matter.
What are crowns made of?
Most of our crowns are modern ceramics — strong, metal-free and colour-matched to your neighbouring teeth. For specific situations we may recommend porcelain-fused-to-metal or gold alloys; we'll explain the trade-offs for your particular tooth.
Does getting a crown hurt?
No — the tooth is fully numbed for preparation, and most patients find crown visits easier than expected. Between visits you'll wear a temporary crown; mild sensitivity during that period is normal and settles once the final crown is cemented.