WHAT IF A TOOTH IS TOO WEAK TO SUPPORT A FILLING? WHAT IS A CROWN?
A crown is a special method used to restore weak teeth. The crown surrounds and supports tooth structure which is not strong enough to support itself. The tooth is reduced and shaped around the outside and across the top so a crown can fit tightly over it. Crowns are sometimes referred to as “caps” and the terms are interchangeable. WHAT ARE POSTS AND PINS? Pins provide additional support for very weak teeth. Pins are placed one to two millimeters into sound tooth structure. A small hole is drilled and the pin is carefully screwed into it. Filling material is then placed around the pin and against the tooth. If a crown is necessary, the crown then surrounds the pin (or pins), the filling material and the remaining tooth structure. Posts are used in much the same way, but are used when the tooth has had a root canal performed. Posts are placed in the root canal and are cemented to the root structure. They extend above the gums and support a crown. Posts may be cast in one piece or combi
