Restorative Dentistry
Dental Crowns in Ottawa
A dental crown covers a tooth that needs more protection or rebuilding than a filling may provide. The recommendation and treatment plan are confirmed after a dentist examines the tooth, its supporting tissues, and your bite.
Confirmed after assessment
Treatment type
Restoration for a damaged or weakened toothAppointment pathway
Examination, preparation, and fittingPublished fee
Confirmed after assessmentAssessment
Dentist examination requiredOverview
What a dental crown does
A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers the visible part of a tooth. It can help rebuild shape, protect remaining tooth structure, and restore a surface used for biting or chewing.
A crown may be discussed when a tooth has a large area of damage, has fractured, has been heavily restored, or needs to be rebuilt as part of another treatment plan. A crown is not automatically the right answer for every damaged tooth: the dentist first checks how much healthy tooth remains, the condition around the tooth, and how your teeth meet.
If you are still exploring the broader choices for repairing or replacing teeth, start with Restorative Dentistry. A crown placed over a natural tooth is also different from the crown that forms part of a single-tooth dental implant.
Who it may be for
When a crown may be considered
A crown may be one option when a tooth needs more coverage than a direct filling is expected to provide. Suitability can only be confirmed after an examination and any records the dentist considers necessary.
- 01A tooth has fractured, lost a large filling, or has too little remaining structure for another filling to be predictable.
- 02A tooth has changed in shape or function and needs to be rebuilt so the bite can be assessed and restored.
- 03A tooth is being reviewed after other care and the dentist needs to decide how best to protect and restore it.
How treatment is planned
How dental crown treatment is planned
The number and sequence of appointments depend on the condition of the tooth and the plan made with your dentist. No accelerated treatment timeline is promised on this page.- 01
Examination
The dentist examines the tooth, surrounding gums, and bite. Radiographs or other records may be used when they help determine whether the tooth can be restored and whether other care is needed first.
- 02
Tooth preparation and records
If a crown is recommended, the tooth is prepared according to the agreed plan. Records are taken so the restoration can be shaped for the tooth and checked against the bite.
- 03
Crown fitting
The restoration is tried in and assessed for fit, contact with neighbouring teeth, and bite. The dentist makes the clinical decision about when it is ready to be secured in place.
- 04
Review and ongoing care
The clinic explains cleaning and follow-up based on the treated tooth. Regular dental examinations remain important because the tooth, gumline, and bite can change over time.
Choosing a restoration
Dental crown or filling?
A filling replaces a specific area of missing tooth structure. A crown covers more of the tooth. The choice depends on the location and extent of damage, how much sound tooth remains, previous dental work, and the forces placed on the tooth when you bite.
This decision cannot be made from a photograph or a symptom alone. A general dentistry appointment gives the dentist an opportunity to examine the tooth and explain why a filling, crown, or another approach may be recommended.
After treatment
Caring for a crowned tooth
A crowned tooth still needs daily brushing and cleaning between teeth, especially around the edge where the restoration meets the tooth. Your dentist or hygienist can show you how to clean the area based on your mouth and the position of the crown.
Contact the clinic if the tooth becomes painful, the crown feels loose, your bite feels different, or the restoration comes off. For an unexpected problem, the Emergency Dental Care page explains when to call and what information to share with the clinic.
Questions
Before you book
How do I know whether I need a crown or a filling?
The dentist needs to examine the tooth and assess the amount and location of remaining tooth structure. A filling may be appropriate for some teeth, while others need broader coverage or a different treatment plan.
Does a crown replace a missing tooth?
A crown placed over a natural tooth rebuilds that tooth. When a tooth is missing, a crown may instead be part of an implant or bridge plan. Those options require a separate assessment of the missing-tooth site.
What does a dental crown cost?
A standalone crown fee is not published on this site yet. The clinic confirms cost after the dentist has examined the tooth and identified the treatment required.
What should I do if a crown comes loose or falls off?
Call the clinic and describe what happened, including whether you have pain, swelling, or a change in your bite. The team can advise you about the next available assessment. Seek urgent medical care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or rapidly spreading facial swelling.
Will the crowned tooth still need dental check-ups?
Yes. The tooth, gums, and bite around a crown still need routine examination and daily cleaning. Your dentist will recommend follow-up based on your oral health and treatment plan.
Have a tooth that may need a crown?
Request an appointment so a dentist can examine the tooth and explain the restorative options that may apply.