Crowns

In human dentistry, a “crown” (a metal or ceramic covering to the crown of a damaged or abnormal tooth) is very commonly used to improve the appearance of abnormal teeth, and to restore function and strength to a tooth that has been damaged. A crown is rarely necessary for medical reasons in veterinary patients, except when function is essential, as in the case of working dogs (e.g. police or security dogs); however, a crown may reduce the risk of breakdown of a restored tooth and recurrence of endodontic disease.

A crown is placed after the root canal treatment. The most common crown materials for veterinary patients are cast metal alloys. They provide superior strength and require the least removal of tooth material when preparing the tooth for the crown, compared with a ceramic-covered (tooth-colored) crown.